Frequency of consumption and nutrient composition of composite dishes commonly consumed in the UK by South Asian Muslims originating from Bangladesh,Pakistan and East Africa (Ismailis)

Introduction This paper presents information on the nutrient composition of commonly consumed traditional dishes eaten by the three major South Asian Muslim groups residing in Britain, namely Bangladeshi, Pakistani and East A frican Ismaili Muslims. Methods information regarding the most common dishes consumed by South Asia n Muslims originating from Bangladesh, Pakistan and East Africa (Ismailis) and living in London was obtained from 7-day menu records over two seasons. For each common dish, weighed recipes were collected in triplicate and the composition (energy and selected nutrients) was calculated from the ingred ients and cooked weight of the dish. Results The three Muslim groups showed considerable variation in traditiona l foods commonly consumed as well as variation in fat and energy contents o f similar recipes both within and between groups. Nutrient composition of c ommonly consumed dishes is presented calculated from the recipe nearest the average in terms of fat and energy for a particular dish. Discussion and conclusions The potential uses of the data, one of which wou ld be to improve dietary compliance (especially to lower fat intakes) among st the three diverse South Asian Muslim groups, are discussed.