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This study was conducted to understand the variation in the nutrient contents of different types of millets by collecting data from published scientific journals and collating it by variety. The data is analyzed as a whole and as a subset, where it is clearly categorized into a released variety or genotype/accession. Calcium level was consistently high in finger millet and teff regardless of varieties at 331.29 ± 10 mg/100 g and 183.41 ± 29 mg/100 g, respectively. Iron content was highest for finger millet at 12.21 ± 13.69 mg/100 g followed by teff at 11.09 ± 8.35 mg/100 g. Pearl millet contained the highest zinc content of 8.73 ± 11.55 mg/100 g. Protein content was highest in job's tears at 12.66 g/100 g followed by proso millet at 12.42 ± 1.99 g/100 g and barnyard millet with 12.05 ± 1.77 g/100 g. Some millets showed consistently low or consistently high levels of specific nutrients, while others had such wide variation that they could not be characterized as high or low for that particular nutrient. There is a huge variation in the nutrient content of each type of millet regardless of the released variety or genotype. In the interest of improving dietary nutrients, there is a need to have nutrition programs and product development based on selected high nutrient varieties of the millet, which requires attention from researchers and government and changes in research, policy, and awareness among the public and private sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study conducted in two wards of Tharaka Nithi subcounty in Kenya documented the impact of using photovoice as a learning tool to build awareness about diets in order to influence behavior change, as well as a method to measure dietary intake. After a year's nutrition awareness drive using Smart Food branding, in the intervention area, a total of 60 participants from intervention and control areas were identified for the photovoice exercise. The analysis showed household and women's dietary diversity scores to be higher in the intervention group by 35% and 45%, respectively. An estimate of nutrient intake revealed a higher intake of calories, protein, calcium, iron and zinc ranging from 70% to 205% in the intervention group. Qualitative feedback on the photovoice approach reflected increased nutrition awareness and behavior change. Results showed the efficacy of the approach in evaluating diets while simultaneously improving participants' realization of what they were consuming using images captured and a one-on-one discussion with nutritionists. The improvement in dietary diversity scores reflected the effectiveness of this creative participatory and branded approach in imparting a strong message on and enthusiasm for learning about nutrition, resulting in behavior change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]