Malnutrition affects 17 million Bangladeshi women between the ages of 15 and 49. Of them, five million are underweight and 12 million women are obese. Hence, 45% of women in that age group are malnourished. This awful picture of our nation's nutritional status demonstrates how far behind we are in securing the nutritional security of women in particular. Of course, malnutrition affects a large proportion of Bangladeshis, not just women.
Malnutrition, in every form, presents significant threats to human health. Today, the world faces the double burden of malnutrition that includes both undernutrition and being overweight. The best way to prevent malnutrition is to eat a healthy, balanced diet. Indigenous small fish species (SIS), especially those such as Dhela (Osteobrama Cotio) and Mola (Amblypharyngodon Mola), are rich sources of micronutrients including vitamin A, calcium, iron, and zinc, which are all necessary for a balanced diet and good health.
Small fish have enormous potential to combat malnutrition. Large fish are a rich source of high-quality protein but generally have low micronutrient content. Evidence shows that our local species are more nutritious than farmed species. Small indigenous fishes (SIS) are excellent sources of good quality protein, vitamins, and minerals. Many SIS are less than 10cm long, and these are typically eaten whole.
This bonehead ensures a good quantity of iron, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin A in the human diet. Regular consumption of SIS can play a vital role in tackling micronutrient deficiency. Small fish intake enhances the absorption of micronutrients from other foods in meals as well.
Most of the women and young children in Bangladesh do not meet the required minimum dietary diversity, which leads to micronutrient inadequacy in their diets. According to BDHS 2017-18, among under-five children, one-third are stunted and 22% are underweight; and in the case of women of reproductive age, 18.6% are underweight. Evidence suggests maternal undernutrition is a key determinant of infant and young child undernutrition.
Micronutrient deficiency can cause severe and even life-threatening conditions. They supply enzymes, hormones, and other substances needed for normal growth and development. This leads to reduced work performance and an increased risk of various diseases.
In Bangladesh, both government and non-government organizations have begun numerous initiatives to reduce micronutrient deficiencies, but the situation is still not at a desirable level. For example, even though Bangladesh has had vitamin A supplementation and fortification programs for a long time, 20.5% of pre-school age children are still vitamin A deficient. Mola carplet, a high vitamin A-containing SIS, offers a promising food-based approach to improving the vitamin A status (Mola contains 200lU of vitamin A per gram).
Most of the vitamin A in fish is concentrated in the eyes and viscera, and since small fish are generally eaten as a whole this helps to get vitamins and minerals all at once.
On the other hand, malnutrition in the form of overweight and obesity is also rising. We are eating more processed foods, more fats, and more sugars. A recent literature review showed that replacing meat with fish consumption reduces energy intake while also helping with weight loss.
Consuming fish helps lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and the chance of dying from coronary heart disease. According to the results of another study, consuming 60gm of fish every day was linked to a 12% lower risk of all-cause mortality.
Unplanned use of water bodies through the abolishment of natural open water sources and overfishing has resulted in a decline in SIS as of late. Also, in carp culture, small fish are considered undesirable in ponds. But now, as a nation, our full attention should be to directed towards achieving food and nutrition security.
There should be a renewed focus on the production of small fish so that vulnerable groups in both urban and rural areas can find SIS accessible and at an affordable price. Most SIS have a short life cycle, and farmers can make a profit from their high demand in the market.
SIS can be easily cultivated in ditches and small ponds or can be produced through polyculture technology with carp fish. Mola, Darkina, Chapila, Chela, and Punti are all highly nutrient-rich, and they are well-liked by Bangladeshis of all stripes and backgrounds.
Bangladesh is self-sufficient in fish production and the country has made a good deal of progress in improving its nutritional status over the last 20 years. And yet the situation is not at a desirable level. Increasing the accessibility and availability of tiny fish can help reduce the nation's nutritional position to a great extent.
Shaima Arzuman Shahin is a nutrition specialist, currently working for an international development organization.
