Nutrients intake adequacy of adults in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Nutritional inadequacies constitute serious health concerns among individuals in all age groups, including adults.

Aim: To assess nutrient intake adequacy of adults in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, Nigeria.

Methods: The descriptive cross sectional study adopted multistage sampling technique to select adults, aged 20 – 64 years old for the study. Dietary intake assessment was conducted using a multi-pass 24-hour dietary recall. Nutrient intake values were derived using the Total Dietary Assessment (TDA) Software by Harcourt Inc., 2001, and compared with the Reference Nutrient Intakes (RNIs) to assess adequacy. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Statistical significance was determined at α_0.05.

Results: The study included 1320 adults. Mean energy, protein, fibre, vitamin A, C, calcium, zinc and iron intakes were (2000.5±869.8 to 2238.6±1137.5)kcal, (60.7±35.1 to 62.3±36.8)g, (15.0±12.3 to 19.0±11.5)g, (568.1±463.1 to 617.3±531.0)RAE, 107.2±82.9mg, (401.1±278.6 to 488.2±359.1)mg, (11.2±6.5 to 12.0±7.4)mg and (17.2±12.1 to 20.0±14.7)mg in Akwa Ibom and (1969.3±807.9 to 2407.7±884.6) kcal, (68.7±41.3 to 72.5±43.4)g, (15.1±11.0 to 18.0±14.4)g, (550.8±459.3 to 561.5±349.1)RAE, 97.5±67.0mg, (350.9±243.1 to 404.1±283.9)mg, (11.7±7.8 to 11.8±7.2)mg and (14.4±6.7 to 15.2±10.7)mg in Cross River State, respectively. Mean nutrient intake values differed significantly by States (p < 0.05), and by urban-rural settings, especially in Cross River State, p<0.05.

Conclusion: This study revealed sub-optimal intake levels for energy, dietary fibre and calcium among adults in both States. Adults in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States should be assisted to increase the consumption of nutrient dense food sources through appropriate nutrition intervention programmes.