Definition Of Dietary Diversity

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Definition of dietary diversity. Although it may not encapsulate all dimensions of poverty the inability of households to obtain access to enough food for an active healthy life is surely an important component of their. Household food security is an important measure of well being. Household dietary diversity defined as the number of unique foods consumed by household members over a given period has been validated to be a useful approach for measuring household food access particularly when resources for undertaking such measurement are scarce. Hdds is not meant to be used in accessing dietary diversity at individual level.

Household dietary diversity score hdds to measure aspects of diet quality. The household dietary diversity questionnaire represents a rapid user friendly and easily administered low cost assessment tool. Minimum dietary diversity proportion of children 6 23 9 months of age who receive foods from 4 or more food groups. Dietary diversity indicators can be constructed using a specific module relevant to that dietary diversity indicator e g.

Dietary diversity as a food security indicator. In addition the various dietary diversity scores can be constructed from existing data as long as the recall period is aligned. The principle of dietary diversity is embedded in evidence based healthy diet patterns such as the mediterranean diet and the dash diet dietary approaches to stop hypertension and is affirmed in all national food based dietary. Common dietary diversity indicators to measure household food access.

To monitor progress in achieving healthy and environmentally sustainable diets researchers must be able to measure the direct relationship between biodiversity in the landscape and biodiversity in the diets and subsequently diet quality. Minimum dietary diversity children 6 23 months women s dietary diversity score women 15 49 years minimum dietary diversity indicator for women women 15 49 years 4. Dietary diversity refers to the child receiving 4 of the following food groups. Household dietary diversity score hdds is a qualitative measure of food consumption that reflects household access to a variety of foods.

Different foods and food groups are good sources for various macro and micronutrients so a diverse diet best ensures nutrient adequacy.