Rattana Prasertwaree. Menu development of high-calcium Thai diet. Master's Degree(Food and Nutrition for Development). Mahidol University. : Mahidol University, 2009-07-27.
Abstract:
Advancement of medical technology and public health services has resulted in
better overall health and prolonging life of the population globally. As a result a
greater prevalence of chronic degenerative diseases among the adult population,
especially elderly groups has been observed. The prevalence of bone fractures related
to osteoporosis among the elderly has started to increase at an alarming rate. Although
the causes of osteoporosis are multifactorial, inadequate dietary calcium intake and
physical inactivity are considered major causes of this disease. Results from previous
studies indicated that the average calcium intake among Thai population was much
lower than the recommended value for sustaining bone health. The source of calcium
was mainly vegetables and fish, with a lower contribution from dairy products. To
improve bone health, increased dietary calcium intake from daily diet is
recommended. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the potential calcium sources
in locally available food in different geographical areas of Thailand as well as to
develop recipes for high calcium local Thai dishes. Forty five food items (fresh water
shrimp, dried shrimp, fresh water fish, dried fish, preserved frog and small toad,
products from dried shrimp and from dried fish) and 35 traditional dishes were
collected for nutrient analysis from the Northern, Northeastern, Central and Southern
parts of Thailand. The results showed that the calcium content of the locally available
food items ranges from 130 to 1200 mg per serving. The prepared dishes with shrimp
and small edible bone fish as main ingredients contain high amounts of calcium.
However, several dishes also had high levels of sodium. Ten traditional Thai dishes (2
recipes for each regional food) were developed as high calcium dishes using crispy
dried shrimp and blended dried fish as calcium sources by adding or replacing certain
ingredients. Results from the acceptability test indicated that increasing the calcium
content to approximately 180 mg of calcium per serving by means of adding, replacing
and changing some ingredients with high calcium food did not change overall
appearance, aroma and taste of the dishes.
This study demonstrates that adequate dietary calcium intake can be achieved
through the traditional Thai diet. Several locally available food items are considered as
good sources of calcium and can be used as calcium sources in a number of local
dishes. More study on the calcium bioavailability of traditional Thai dishes could help
us better understand the potential health benefit of Thai diet in terms of prevention of
osteoporosis in the Thai population