Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 3 — Observational / field trialPeer-reviewed

Dietary habits of pastoralists on the Tibetan plateau are influenced by remoteness and economic status

Shanshan Li, Yinfeng Li, Wenyin Wang, Jianxin Jiao, A. Allan Degen, Tao Zhang, Yanfu Bai, Jingxue Zhao, Michael Kreuzer, Zhanhuan Shang

Food Research International · 2023

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Summary

This 2023 cross-sectional study characterises the dietary habits of pastoralist communities on the Tibetan plateau, with particular attention to how geographical remoteness and household economic status shape food consumption patterns. The authors suggest that access to markets and economic capacity are significant determinants of dietary choice in this context, implying that pastoral food systems are shaped not solely by local production but also by market integration and purchasing power. The findings contribute to understanding food security and nutritional adequacy in economically marginal pastoral regions.

UK applicability

Direct applicability to UK policy and practice is limited, as the study addresses pastoral livelihoods and market access in a high-altitude, geographically distinct setting. However, the methodology for linking remoteness, economic status, and dietary diversity may inform UK research on food access inequalities in rural and isolated communities.

Key measures

Dietary recall or food frequency data stratified by remoteness (distance from markets/settlements) and economic status indicators; likely dietary diversity scores and food group consumption frequencies

Outcomes reported

The study examined how dietary habits of pastoralists on the Tibetan plateau vary according to remoteness from markets and economic status. Dietary diversity, food group consumption patterns, and nutrient intake as suggested by food choice data were likely assessed across communities with differing access and income levels.

Theme
Nutrition & health
Subject
Food & agricultural policy
Study type
Research
Study design
Observational cohort
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
China
System type
Pasture-based livestock
DOI
10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113627
Catalogue ID
SNmohktxc5-tkeotp

Topic tags

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