Mozambican Food Pyramid

IntroductionIn order to support nutritionists and other food and nutrition education actors in Mozambique in improving the approaches of intervention messages to fight for chronic malnutrition and other nutritional related diseases that plague the country, this work brings the adaptation of the American food pyramid published in 1993 to the local reality. MethodsThe pyramid was built with the foods distributed in eight groups (Basic Foods, fruits, vegetables, legumes, milk, meats, fats and sugars) and in 5 levels. Each level was presented in minimum and medium portions to be consumed according to the established standard diets. The portions and the food equivalents tables were defined according to the caloric contribution of each food group using an automated spreadsheet of Microsoft Excel, version 19, and based on the principle of linear programming. The pyramid was based on two standard diets (1693 kcal and 2300 kcal) with four meals for both. ResultsThe percentage distribution of macronutrients in both diets is within the recommended range: Carbohydrates (45 to 65%), lipids (20 to 35%) and proteins (10 to 35%). Special attention was given to the milk group by calculating the bioavailable calcium values. DiscussionFactors such as food availability, dietary reference intake, and eating habits of the local population were elements of adaptation to the local context. ConclusionFurther studies are needed to validate and implement the instrument so that it becomes an effective and practical tool. Key messageO_LIWhat is already known on this topic: The tools that are currently used to promote healthy eating habits existing in parents present a gap regarding the portions of each food group that should be consumed, constituting a limitation for professionals in the area, who have been struggling to seek information on graphic representations of foods from other countries that do not fit the local reality. C_LIO_LIWhat this study adds: This study brings an adaptation of a graphic representation of foods closer to the local reality, which includes foods that are part of the usual diet of the local population, their recommended portions and a list of substitute foods. C_LIO_LIHow this study might affect research, practice or policy This study will contribute to the improvement of food and nutrition education messages and will serve as basic elements in the design of programs, strategies and intervention policies to combat chronic malnutrition that affects the country. C_LI