Macro partitioning

Food insufficiency is associated with significantly lower mean intakes of energy, calcium, vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc in adult women and the elderly, while preschoolers from food-insufficient households maintain nutrient intakes comparable to food-sufficient peers.

If you are an adult woman or older adult living in a household where food is sometimes scarce, your own nutrient intake is likely compromised, even if your children seem well-fed. Focus on identifying which specific nutrients (like calcium, iron, or energy) are falling short in your diet and seek targeted supplementation or nutrient-dense food sources if possible, as standard food assistance may not fully cover these gaps.