Dietary interventions in low-income women: issues for UK policy

The health of many women is affected by living in relative poverty. Low educational achievement, poor pay and community deprivation exacerbate the challenges of healthful lifestyle choices. Women from low-income backgrounds are more likely to eat low amounts of fruits and vegetables, wholegrains and fish, and more sweetened drinks (and less wine), compared with more affluent women. Diet contributes to the health inequalities evident in maternal and child health, and high rates of adult diet-related morbidity and mortality. There is a lack of robust UK studies on effective interventions undertaken with low-income women, reflecting some of the challenges of undertaking research in this 'hard to reach' sub-population. Further research is required in both the development and evaluation of effective interventions, and lessons from US work (such as interventions used in the American Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children, the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, and WISEWOMAN) could be usefully examined for applicability in the UK.