ABSTRACT
Background:Reports has shown that edible leaves of vegetable plants serve both nutritional and medicinal purposes, yet are poorly utilized due to inadequate enlightenment of the major populace on their compositions. Aims:The aim of this study was to determine the proximate, phytochemicals and reducing power of leaf extracts of Colocasia esculenta and Ipomoea batatas.Methodology:Washed and air dried leaf samples were milled and subjected to proximate and phytochemical analysis.Determination of calcium, iron and sodium content was by Atomic absorption spectroscopy. Reducing power was determined by the Potassium ferricyanide reducing power method. Results:Ipomoea batatasleaves was found to be higher in moisture (14.05%) and carbohydrate (29.33%) while Colocasia esculentaleaves was higher in ash (10.00%), Crude fiber (16.27%), Fat (10.17%) and protein (29.41%).A better antioxidant activity and higher levels of all phytochemicals and minerals were observed in leaves of Colocasia esculentacompared to leaves of Ipomoea batatas.Conclusion:This study suggests that both leaves are of importance to human nutrition considering the observed levels of nutrients, phytochemicals and antioxidant activity. While C. esculentaleaves should be preferred for its nutrient and antioxidant advantages, both leaves can contribute immensely to the daily nutrient requirements.
ABSTRACT
Background: Reports have shown that consumption of acha (Digitaria exilis) is beneficial to both diabetic and hypertensive patients considering its low glycaemic index, if fortified could assist to improve health and in combating hidden hunger. Aims: This work was aimed at establishing the technology of fortifying acha (Digitaria exilis) grains with vitamin A, Iron, copper and zinc by comparing the effectiveness of coating and dusting technologies and analysing the vitamin A, iron, zinc and copper levels of acha grains fortified by both methods. Methodology: Vitamin A was quantified by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method, while iron, zinc and copper were quantified using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) method. Results: Vitamin A was undetected in unfortified grain, but present at 29,904.18 IU/kg and 29,657.66 IU/kg in coated and dusted grains respectively. The iron content(58 mg/kg) in unfortified grain increased by 22% and 15% for coated and dusted respectively, Copper increased by 25% and 14% and Zinc by 32% and 45% with coating and dusting respectively. Conclusion: This study suggests that coating is a more promising technology for fortifying acha grains with Vitamin A, iron and copper, which will assist in delivering these critical micronutrients in the vulnerable population and also be used as a strategy for dietary improvement.
ABSTRACT
Aims: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and determinants of malnutrition in under five children in selected health facilities in Egume, Dekina LGA, Kogi State. Study Design: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study with historic data that assessed the Prevalence and determinants of malnutrition of under-five children in selected health facilities in Egume Dekina Local Government Area, Kogi State. Study Area: The study was conducted at General Hospital and St. Luke clinic in Egume, Dekina LGA, Kogi State. Methodology: The study focused on Mothers and their under five children who were treated as in- or out- patients at the General Hospital and St. luke clinic Egume within the past five years, Interview was conducted with the aid of a validated, questionnaire, after obtaining informed consent from mothers and ethical clearance from the Health Research Ethics Committee, Kogi State Ministry of Health. Data was obtained through reviews of available health records. Anthropometric measurement was carried out following standard procedures. Results: The study showed that 21.3%, 25.6%, 47.4% and 5.7% of the sampled children were mildly undernourished, moderately undernourished, severely undernourished and healthy respectively. Conclusion: The present study further revealed that a child’s age and gender, mother’s education and nutrition and other health variables such as clean water and toilet are determinants of child malnutrition.