ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to formulate a weaning diet from pearl millet-conophor nut flour that would promote growth. For PER, BV, NPU and TD values, casein diet was the most superior while millet-conophor diet and soy-ogi diet compared favourably with each other. For the clinical measurements of the experimental rats on the soy -ogi diet and millet-conophor diet, apart from the urinary urea level of the group on millet conophor diet which was much higher than soy-ogi, there was no difference in any of the other parameters measured. It was therefore, concluded that the millet-conophor, diet was favourably well with the soy-ogi.
ABSTRACT
Activity pattern, energy intake and body mass index (BMI) were studied in a group of 232 women aged 19-65 years. The subjects were selected from five major markets in Abeokuta Township using a systematic random sampling technique. With the aid of a structured questionnaire and 24-h diet recall, information was collected on socio-demographic characteristics and the food and nutrient intake of the subjects. Information on the activity pattern was collected by recall and random spot observation methods. The result indicated that the majority (61%) of the respondents spent a total of 16 h on both domestic and market activities. An average of 11.5 h was spent in the market on predominantly sedentary activities. The mean energy intake of the women was 3701 kcal (15.4 MJ), which constituted about 164% of the recommended dietary allowance. Roots and tubers, cereals and legume form the major source of nutrients; while fried foods featured prominently in the menu. Eighty-nine women (38.4%) have a BMI within the healthy range of 18.5-25, while a total of 136, representing 58.6%, have a BMI greater than 25. A total of 66 women, representing 48.5% of the 136 women whose BMI was above 25, have a BMI in excess of 30 and are classified as obese. Both the energy intake and activity pattern of the respondents correlated positively with the BMI. This study has established a high risk of obesity among urban market women in Nigeria.
