Navigating Change: Biocultural Dimensions of Feeding in a Pilagá Community Undergoing Lifestyle and Economic Transition in Argentina

Abstract

Objective: This research analyzed the interplay between diet and sociocultural influences in the food consumption patterns of the Pilagá people in Formosa, Argentina. Methods: This cross-sectional mixed-methods study, conducted in 2023, included all 59 family clusters in a Pilagá community. Food intake was assessed using three 24-h dietary recalls per household, while qualitative data were collected through semistructured interviews, free-listing exercises, and participant observation. Results: Dietary habits in the Pilagá community were notably limited in variety and nutritional content, with 71% of participants reporting they ate just two meals a day. Purchased white bread, water, and infusions were consumed daily. Despite the high proportion of processed foods, the diet shows some foraged wild food. Food holds multifaceted roles beyond its biological function, with traditional foods valued not only for nourishment but also for their perceived health benefits and cultural significance. Conclusion: This Pilagá community is experiencing a dietary transition toward westernized foods, driven by biosociocultural factors that mirror broader shifts in local food systems and consumption patterns.