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Vitamin and mineral supplements among Pacific People

Year:
2019
Duration:
3 months
Approved budget:
$5,000.00
Researchers:
Miss Meleseini Manukia
Health issue:
Nutrition
Proposal type:
Pacific Health Summer Studentship
Lay summary
Vitamins and minerals are necessary for physiological functions and body processes. It is understood that eating a wide variety of fresh foods is the best way to ensure necessary nutrients are consumed. With Pacific people engaging in eating behaviours associated with overconsumption of processed foods, nutrient deficiencies may be more common. Supplements used to deliver nutrients or lack thereof may potentially be used to counteract deficiencies and prevent disease. With health promotion strategies continuing to promote consumption of healthy foods, the socio-economic status of Pacific people may prevent them from doing so. This research will identify the current use of supplements by Pacific people, the types taken and their reasons for doing so. Furthermore, Pacific perceptions about food and the cost of nutrient rich foods compared to supplements will also be explored. This research will be done through conducting a comprehensive literature review of international, regional and local literature.