DIETARY (NUTRIENT) INTAKES OF NIGERIAN PEASANTS LIVING IN A SEMI-ARID ZONE

Abstract

ABSTRACT Eighty-two adults (42 males, 40 females) randomly selected from a village in the semi-arid zone of Nigeria have been surveyed for dietary intakes. The technique used was a combination of 24hour recall and weighed intake over 7 days. Overall, men ate more food and drank much more than women. Males had significantly (p < 0.05) higher energy and protein intakes than females. Females on the other hand had significantly (p < 0.05) higher Vitamin C intake than males. Intakes of other nutrients did not vary widely among the sexes and quantities eaten, rather than quality, were largely responsible for variations in intakes observed. Mean energy intakes were 2191 KCals (9J6MJ) for males and 1980KCals (8. 28MJ)for females. Calculated total protein intakes were 57.9 + 1.7g and 50.4:1:: 2.0g per day for males and females, respectively. The foods that appear to have the greatest potential for contributing to the intake of energy, animal protein, calcium, vitamin A and vitamin C are cereals, fish and the guava fmit (Psidium guajava).