Some Nutrient Composition of Ready-to-Eat Foods Consumed by Pregnant and Lactating Women in Bassa LGA of Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

The need to evaluate the nutrient intake of pregnant and lactating women in the developing countries, with a view to applying adequate intervention for a successful pregnancy course and lactation period, has long been highlighted. The ready-to-eat foods consumed by pregnant and lactating women in Bassa local government area in Nigeria, were analyzed for proximate and some elemental composition using standard methods. Our results showed that among the seven indigenous foods, “tuwon acha/miyan touse (basically made up of Digitaria exiglis) contains higher levels of fat 14.06±1.36 and crude protein 48.79±8.67 (g/100g dry matter), than the rest of the foods. Its minerals content were similar to those determined from “tuwon douro/miyan touse” (basically made up of Pennisetum typhoides). These were calcium 74.18±1.74, magnesium 300.96±20.4 and iron 40.60±1.8 (mg/100g dry matter). On the other hand, the Nitrogen Free Extract (NFE) and total calorie determined from all the food samples were low. The estimated intake of crude fat and the mineral element iron were within the acceptable literature levels. Contrarily the intake of calcium was far below the recommended value. It is recommended that these foods be improved through food fortification.