Nutrition indicators for biodiversity: food composition and food consumption

• Grant number: 11/08480-6
• Support type: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
• Duration: November 04, 2011 - November 13, 2011
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Food Science and Technology - Food Science
• Principal researcher: Deborah Helena Markowicz Bastos
• Grantee: Deborah Helena Markowicz Bastos
• Visiting researcher: Ruth Charrondière
• Visiting researcher institution: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Italy
• Home Institution: Faculdade de Saúde Pública (FSP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Biodiversity indicators, including the development of tools for both food composition and consumption evaluation is a novel field of investigation in which FAO has been involved. Biodiversity indicators is a new concept, as are the political and social actions aiming the sustainable production of food, the valorization of regional products and the diet diversity. Monitoring such indicators depends on the analysis of food data banks as well as data on the available scientific literature and food consumption survey. These data are extremely relevant to demonstrate the relevance of identification of food products species and their nutritional composition, their impact in nutrient ingestion and the relationship between biodiversity, nutrition and food security. Trends raised by this indicators (composition and consumption) reflect the knowledge and commitment of food producers, government and consumers about the importance of a biodiverse diet. Data on the consumption of animal or vegetal based products which are indigenous underutilized or of regional consumption are seldom limited and fragmented. The evaluation of food consumption does not include detailed information on species and cultivar level. This blank may be minimized when biodiversity indicators (food composition and food consumption indicators) will be a better known and used concept and therefore, the visit of Dr. Charrondière will be greatly important due to her expertise in biodiversity indicators evaluation and methodology implementation. (AU)