ASSESSMENT OF THE FOOD PATTERNS OF IMMIGRANT ECUADORIAN POPULATION IN SOUTHERN SPAIN BASED ON A 24-H FOOD RECALL SURVEY.
BACKGROUND
Ecuador is a country with limited nutritional information, with exception of some general studies supported by Food Agriculture Organization (FAO) Aims: to carry out a nutritional assessment of the diet of Ecuadorian immigrant population in Southern Spain to determine differences in food patterns and possible nutritional deficiencies.


METHODS
the nutritional assessment was based on a 24-h food recall survey applied to the Ecuadorian population residing in Seville and Córdoba (Spain) in combination with the application of national and international food composition data bases. Nutrient intake levels and fulfillment of Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) were estimated and statistically tested for social, sex, age and geographical factors.


RESULTS
macronutrient distributions and nutrient intake levels in relation with DRIs were adequate in most cases. Importantly, Ecuadorian food habits were still present in immigrant population, with rice being the main energy source. Intakes levels were significantly different for several nutrients depending on age group, sex, place of residence and professional occupation. Comparison with previous nutritional data from Ecuador revealed a better nutritional status of immigrant population in Spain, though deficiencies in fiber, vitamin E, I and Se were detected in the diet of both populations. Nevertheless, data for these deficiencies were insufficient to be conclusive given both limitations in the food composition data bases (e.g. Se) and the lack of more adequate information tools for its assessment (e.g. long-term studies for vitamin E).


CONCLUSIONS
the results in the present study evidenced that Ecuadorian immigrants in Spain showed more adequate food patterns that those reported for Ecuador. These data can be helpful to get further insight into the nutritional value of Ecuadorian diet and develop suitable nutrition intervention.
Department of Life Sciences, University of the Armed Forces - Espe, Sangolqui (Ecuador). Faculty of Engineering Science, State Technical University Quevedo, Quevedo (Ecuador).. neiramosquera@hotmail.com.
Juan Alejandro
JA
Neira-Mosquera
Department of Life Sciences, University of the Armed Forces - Espe, Sangolqui (Ecuador). Faculty of Engineering Science, State Technical University Quevedo, Quevedo (Ecuador).. naynee_s24@hotmail.com.
Sungey
S
Sanchez-Llaguno
Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Córdoba. Córdoba (Spain).. b42perof@uco.es.
Fernando
F
Pérez-Rodríguez
Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Córdoba. Córdoba (Spain).. bt1moror@uco.es.
Rafael
R
Moreno-Rojas
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D004032:Diet; D004484:Ecuador; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants; D002149:Energy Intake; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult