Breakfast practices in the Asian region.

Abstract

Studies on changing dietary patterns throughout the Asian region have focused largely on overall alterations in nutrient intakes and changes in the consumption of various food groups. Changes in individual meal patterns have received little attention. Although country and regional differences occur, the first meal of the day, breakfast, tends to take the form of a traditional meal in most south-east Asian countries. Grain and cereal products, such as rice and wheat and rice noodles, appear to be dietary staples at breakfast In some countries, the more traditional grain products are being replaced by alternative cereals, such as bread. Lifestyle changes and accompanying urbanization together with rising affluence, appear to be largely responsible for dietary alterations. The health implications of these changes require further investigation.