Evaluation of Iranian Household s Diet in terms of Calcium and Iron Density in the Seven Provinces of Iran

Background: Imbalanced diet, as it may cause micronutrient malnutrition hasbeen known as a causal factor for several chronic diseases. Several studies inIran have shown that some micro-nutrient deficiencies are prevalent and of highconcern. Minerals such as calcium and iron can supply physical and mentalhealth as well as survival, and growth development. In this study, Nutrientdensity analysis was used to display Iranian households diet quality. Methods:In this descriptive-analytical study, the diet quality of seven provinces, namelyEastern Azarbaijan, Isfahan, Tehran, Khorasan, Khouzestan, Sistan Balochestanand Fars was assessed in terms of calcium and iron. To do so, the data wereobtained through national household food consumption survey conducted byNational Nutrition & Food Technology Research Institute, 2000-02, in Iran.Results: Generally, 80% of households calcium density was less than thestandard value and this rate was 40-70% for iron. Index of nutrition quality(INQ) for calcium and iron were respectively almost 1/2 and 1/3 of requirementsin all provinces. Conclusions: There were significant differences in calciumintake density between the rural and urban households however; there were nodifferences between the selective provinces and all over the country.

Keywords:

Calcium , Iron , Nutrient density , Diet