Abstract

Publication of the Malawi Food Composition Database (MFCDB) is a milestone towards improving the nutritional status and overall health of citizens. Following the establishment of this database, the next step involves formulating food-based dietary guidelines tailored for Malawi. However, both the database and the planned dietary guidelines are dependent on robust research on food composition. This analytical review utilizes fruit and vegetable research done in Malawi, to analyze synergies with the published food composition tables and limitations. Results point to inadequate fruit and vegetable nutrition research in Malawi. Less than 1% of published vegetable research has dealt with nutrient composition. Of this, only 15% has contributed to the food composition database, forcing 52 and 39% of entries (values) for fruits and vegetables, respectively to be borrowed. However, more research on fruit and vegetable species has been done than is captured in the database. There exists dissonance in analytical methods between research and database needs. This lack of methodology impacts overall data comparability and reliability. It is suggested that the Malawian Food Data System, provide standardized methods of analysis for various food composition parameters, priority list of species, and nutrient profiles of immediate national relevance. The planned dietary guidelines will require a multisectoral approach, and policy modifications to facilitate fit-for-purpose research in fruits and vegetables.

Key words: Dietary guidelines, food composition tables, fruits, research, vegetables, Malawi.