Amino Acid and Essential Fatty Acid in Evacuation Shelter Food in the Noto Peninsula Earthquake: Comparison with the 2024 Simultaneous National Survey in Japan

Takamitsu Sakamoto ^1,2, Hiroyo Miyata ^3,4, Ayako Tsunou ^3,5

⁰Department of General Medicine, Fukuoka Tokushukai General Hospital, Fukuoka 816-0864, Japan.

Nutrients +

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December 17, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Meals in Noto Peninsula earthquake evacuation shelters had inadequate amino acid quality and lacked essential fatty acids, particularly for older adults. This highlights the need for improved emergency nutrition planning.

Area Of Science

Disaster medicine
Nutritional science
Public health

Background

A major earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula on January 1, 2024.
A makeshift clinic was established in an evacuation center to assess food provisions.

Purpose Of The Study

To analyze the nutritional quality of food in evacuation shelters post-earthquake.
To compare amino acid and fatty acid content with national survey data and recommendations, focusing on older adults.

Main Methods

Cross-sectional study evaluating 11 evacuation meals.
Analysis of digestible amino acid score (DIAAS) and protein half-life.
Comparison of linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) levels with European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommendations.

Main Results

All 11 analyzed foods had a DIAAS below 1.00, indicating inadequate protein quality.
Protein stability suggests potential deficiencies for shelter stays exceeding one week.
LA and ALA levels were less than 40% of EFSA recommendations.
A nationwide survey revealed most facilities had only a three-day food supply, with incomplete nutritional data.

Conclusions

Evacuation shelter meals after the Noto Peninsula earthquake were deficient in amino acid quality (DIAAS) and essential fatty acids (LA, ALA) for older adults.
The "Duplicated Combination" model is a valuable tool for assessing nutritional adequacy in disaster scenarios.
Findings underscore the necessity for enhanced nutrition strategies in emergency preparedness, especially for vulnerable populations.

Keywords:

Duplicated Combination Model European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) N-end rule digestible essential amino acid score (DIAAS) disaster half-life