RESUMEN
Objectives: Formulation of complementary diet for young children (from broadbean, maize and berly) and determine its nutrient value and acceptability. Methods: Randemized controled trial was used to prepare samples for processing and analysis. Laboratory based study was conducted at Hawassa University and Ethiopian Health and Research Institute to process and evaluate Proximate, phytate and mineral content of sample. Samples were obtained from local market and bought in bulk. Barley and maize were soaked sundried and roasted. Broad-bean was soaked, germinated sundried and roasted. The three samples were made into fine flour. Samples were stored in airtight plastic bag. Four types of porridge were prepared by mixing broad-bean as treatment and barley-maize as base food. Acceptance testing was conducted using mother child pair. Results: Laboratory result showed that processing significantly decreases phytate content of ingredients. The highest levels of protein and iron content were in the porridge made with 30% broad bean, wherein protein content increased by 6 grams per 100 g. The lowest level of phytate was observed in the porridge made with 20% bean. Sensory evaluation showed preference for 10% broad-bean added porridge. All broad-bean added porridges had similar overall acceptability to the maize-barley control. Conclusions: The formulation of a broad bean-containing porridge as complementary food produced a higher protein food with acceptable sensory characteristics compared to the customary porridge of the region. This study demonstrated successful use of locally-available and affordable foods to enhance nutritional quality of complementary foods.
RESUMEN
Objectives: Nutritional status of mothers in Ethiopia is currently a major public health concern. There are three key factors of maternal nutrition that could have an impact on human milk composition: Dietary intake, nutrient store, and alterations in nutrient utilization. The aim of this study is to assess the association between maternal plasma status and breast milk content of iron, zinc and vitamin A. Methods: Community-based cross sectional data were collected from April to May 2012 from mothers living in the Boricha district of southern Ethiopia who were lactating and had infants between 6-12 months. Plasma levels and breast milk composition of iron, zinc, and retinol were assessed using HPLC, and AAS. Pearson’s correlations were performed to identify any associations betweenplasma levelsandbreast milk content of these micronutrients. Results: The prevalence of anemia (Hb< 120 g/L), zinc deficiency (plasma zinc < 0.7 mg/L), and vitamin A deficiency (plasma retinol ≤ 30 μg/dL) was 36%, 100% and 7.3%, respectively. Breast milk iron (0.24±0.1 mg/L) and breast milk zinc (0.08±0.06 mg/L) showed no relationship to plasma levels. The breast milk retinol (128.6±22.0 μg/L) showed a significant association with plasma retinollevels (r=0.22, p<0.05). Conclusions: Maternal micronutrient malnutrition is a serious problem in the Boricha district. Our results support other studies that demonstrate low vitamin A status reduces levels in milk. This can have detrimental effects on children whose complementary food intake may be of poor nutritional quality.
RESUMEN
Objectives: Vitamin D deficiency is a public health problem world wide, even in countries with enough sunshine year round to promote adequate skin synthesis. There are few studies that look at vitamin D status in children living in sunny climates as it is assumed that they receive adequate vitamin D from sun exposure. But, no study has been done among children living in Ethiopia. This study is aimed to determine vitamin D status and its predictors among school children aged 11-18 years living in Ethiopia. Methods: An institution based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Adama Town and rural kebeles of Adama Woreda on a total sample of 174 (89 urban, 85 rural) during May-June 2013. Children were randomly selected using multi-stage stratified sampling method. Results: Vitamin D deficiency (serum 25(OH)D<50nmol/L) was noted in 42% of children. The proportion of deficiency was significantly higher among children in urban setting as compared to those in rural setting (61.8% and 21.2%, respectively; p <0.001). The significant predictors of vitamin D were study setting, maternal education, triceps skinfold thickness, sun exposure, body surface area exposed, having television/computer in the home and socioeconomic status [Adjusted OR (2.74-19.57): 95%CI(1.23, 69.21)]. Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency was prevalent among school children living in a tropical country like Ethiopia both in urban and rural settings, with the prevalence being significantly higher among urban school children.