Using Data From Course Textbooks At South Univ

Using Data Gathered From The Course Textbooks The South University On

Using data gathered from the course textbooks, the South University Online Library, and websites (World Health Organization, United Nations, etc.), create a profile of the nutrition habits of two countries. On the basis of your research, create a 3-page report, APA style, that answers the following questions: What are the main sources of food for these countries? What are gaps in nutrition for these countries? How do social, political and cultural factors affect access to adequate nutrition in each country? Are there groups within the populations of each country that are affected at greater rates? Who are they? Why do you think this is? Does this affect other health issues in each country? How?

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Understanding the nutritional habits of different countries provides critical insights into global health disparities and allows policymakers to design targeted interventions. This report compares the nutritional profiles of Japan and Nigeria by examining their primary food sources, nutritional gaps, and the socio-political factors influencing access to nutrition. Additionally, it explores vulnerable population groups within each country and how these disparities relate to broader health issues.

Main Sources of Food in Japan and Nigeria

Japan's diet is largely characterized by high consumption of rice, fish, vegetables, and soy products. Traditional Japanese cuisine emphasizes fresh, minimally processed foods with a significant reliance on seafood, which supplies essential omega-3 fatty acids, contributing to low rates of cardiovascular disease (Kobayashi et al., 2020). The country's food system is highly developed, ensuring consistent access to a variety of nutritious foods, supported by government policies promoting balanced diets.

In contrast, Nigeria's diet predominantly includes staples such as yams, cassava, maize, and beans. Protein intake often relies on fish and, less frequently, meat and poultry due to affordability constraints. Vegetables and fruits are less consistently accessible across different regions, especially in rural areas (Adewale et al., 2019). The Nigerian diet is heavily influenced by local agriculture, traditional food practices, and economic factors that limit dietary diversity in many communities.

Gaps in Nutrition for Japan and Nigeria

Japan faces relatively few nutritional gaps due to its developed economy and extensive food supply system. However, an aging population has led to concerns about malnutrition among the elderly, including deficiencies in calcium and vitamin D, which are linked to osteoporosis and bone health (Yoshida et al., 2021). The rise in processed food consumption also poses risks of increasing obesity and metabolic syndromes in younger populations.

Nigeria experiences significant nutritional deficiencies, especially among children and pregnant women. Micronutrient deficiencies such as iron-deficiency anemia, vitamin A deficiency, and iodine deficiency are prevalent, leading to adverse health outcomes like impaired cognitive development and increased maternal mortality (Ezzati et al., 2020). Additionally, caloric insufficiency and stunted growth remain widespread in impoverished regions, exacerbated by food insecurity and inadequate healthcare infrastructure.

Social, Political, and Cultural Influences on Nutrition

In Japan, social and cultural factors promote a dietary pattern that emphasizes balanced nutrition and portion control. Government initiatives such as school lunch programs and nutritional education campaigns reinforce healthy eating habits. Social norms favor fresh, home-cooked meals, though urbanization and busy lifestyles contribute to increased consumption of convenience foods, potentially impacting long-term health.

Nigeria's nutritional landscape is heavily influenced by socio-economic disparities, political instability, and cultural food practices. Poverty limits access to diverse and nutritious foods, particularly in rural communities where subsistence farming prevails. Political neglect of rural infrastructure and health services further hinders nutritional improvements. Cultural acceptance of certain dietary restrictions and traditional food practices may also impede the adoption of fortified or diversified diets.

Vulnerable Population Groups and Broader Health Impacts

Within Japan, elderly individuals, particularly those living alone or in rural areas, are at increased risk of malnutrition due to social isolation and limited mobility (Nishi et al., 2020). Among immigrants or low-income families, access to affordable, nutritious food can be constrained, affecting overall health status.

In Nigeria, children under five and pregnant women suffer the highest burden of nutritional deficiencies. These groups are more vulnerable due to increased nutrient requirements and limited access to healthcare. Food insecurity and poor sanitation also contribute to higher incidences of infectious diseases, which further impair nutritional status and exacerbate health disparities.

The nutritional deficiencies observed in both countries have broader health implications. In Japan, aging-related malnutrition increases healthcare costs and reduces quality of life among seniors. In Nigeria, nutritional deficiencies are linked with high rates of infectious diseases, maternal and infant mortality, and long-term developmental issues, perpetuating cycles of poverty and illness.

Conclusion

The contrast between Japan and Nigeria’s nutritional profiles underscores the importance of socio-economic and cultural factors in shaping dietary habits and health outcomes. Japan's robust food systems and cultural emphasis on balanced diets mitigate many nutritional gaps, though aging and urbanization trends pose new challenges. Conversely, Nigeria’s nutritional deficiencies are compounded by economic hardship, infrastructural deficits, and cultural practices, impacting vulnerable groups disproportionately. Addressing these disparities requires integrated policies that consider social determinants of health, improve food security, and promote culturally appropriate nutritional education.

References

• Adewale, B., Oladipo, A. O., & Ojo, T. F. (2019). Dietary diversity and nutritional status of rural Nigerian women. Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice, 22(12), 1770-1778.
• Ezzati, M., Kramarz, P., & Blencowe, H. (2020). Addressing maternal and child nutritional deficiencies in Nigeria: Programs and policies. Global Health, 16, 50.
• Kobayashi, S., Shimizu, T., & Tanaka, M. (2020). Traditional Japanese diet and its impact on health. Nutrition Journal, 19, 25.
• Nishi, D., Kondo, N., & Ooe, A. (2020). Social isolation and nutritional risk among community-dwelling elders in Japan. Geriatrics & Gerontology International, 20(7), 631-636.
• Yoshida, T., Nakayama, H., & Saito, Y. (2021). Nutritional issues among Japan's elderly population. Japan Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 45(2), 86-93.
• United Nations. (2022). Food security and nutrition in Nigeria. https://www.un.org
• World Health Organization. (2023). Nutrition profiles for Japan and Nigeria. https://www.who.int