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Calcium Intake among Myanmar
Residing in Bago, Kayin, and Yangon Areas
Phyu Phyu Aung1, Mya
Ohnmar1, Moh Moh Hlaing2, Moe Thida Kyaw1, Aye
Aye Than1, Theingi Thwin1 & Tin Khine Myint2
1 Nutrition Research
Division, Department of Medical Research (Lower Myanmar)
2 Physiology Research
Division, Department of Medical Research (Lower Myanmar)
ABSTRACT
A cross-sectional survey combined
with 24-hour dietary recall and food diary was undertaken to assess the calcium
intake of the Myanmar population. The study was conducted from November 2003 to
October 2005. A total of 886 subjects of both sexes aged above 2 years from
three States and Divisions (Bago, Kayin, and Yangon) of Myanmar were included in
the study. The major measures were mean daily calcium intake (mg/day) and major
sources of calcium in the diet. Overall mean calcium intake was 197+13mg/day
(2-9 years), 421+2mg/day (10-19 years), 399+21 mg/day (20-49 years), and
383+25mg/day (>50 years) for males, while the corresponding values for
females were 207+17 mg/day, 366+19 mg/day, 387+16 mg/day, and 327 +19 mg/day.
Calcium intake was less than 80% of the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for
Myanmar for ages 2-9 years and 10-29 years in all the study areas, and for the
50 years and above age group in Yangon. Fish paste was found to be the major
source of calcium. Milk and milk products contributed very little to total
calcium intake, contributing 2.1% for residents in Yangon, 5.1% in Pa-an and
none in Bago. Consumption of calcium rich foods, particularly milk and milk
products, should be encouraged among the Myanmar people. Towards this end,
appropriate nutrition education materials should be developed for promotional
purposes.
Keywords: Calcium
intake, food sources, Myanmar
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