Animal Source Food Consumption among Sri Lankans: A 24-Hour Recall Study in Galle and Matara District

Abstract

The types and levels of animal source food [ASF) consumption have direct influence on human health and wellbeing. A 24-hour dietary recall study was conducted among 165, randomly selected respondents living in Galle and Matara districts to understand their ASF consumption. ASF items consumed were categorized into three groups; 1) chicken and other meats, 2) fish and eggs and 3) dairy products. Ninety two percent respondents had consumed at least one ASF item within the last 24-hour recall period. 32, 21, and 10 percent respondents consumed 2, 3 and 4 ASF items respectively, during the 24 hour recall period. The most consumed ASF group was fish (78.3%]. Forty two percent respondents had consumed fish at least once during the recall period. A person consumes 1.70 eggs per week. Meat were the third popular ASF (17.9%), closely followed by dairy (16.5%). Forty-three, 78 and 49 percent respondents enriched their breakfast, lunch and dinner, respectively with an ASF item. Apart from chicken, other meat types were not widely consumed. Mostly consumed dairy item was yoghurt followed by ice cream and curd. Only 2.5 percent respondents had consumed liquid milk. The mean ASF items consumed per day was 1.8 which comprised on 0.24 meat items, 1.36 fish items and 0.20 dairy items. Gender, age, income level and education level had no significant effect on the number of dairy, fish, meat and total number of ASF items consumed. By selecting fish as the main ASF item with some eggs, dairy and, meat in less frequently, respondents had made a wise choice related to ASF consumption.