This study examined the contribution of food to nutrient intake, meal and dietary patterns among children aged 4–8 and 9–13 years in the city of Ibadan, Nigeria. Multi-pass 24-hour dietary recalls were used to assess intakes. Prudent and traditional Southwestern Nigerian dietary patterns were identified among children. The top foods and beverages were defined by frequency and amount consumed. Meal patterns were described by the eating occasions, while cluster analysis probed dietary patterns. About 88% of children had at least three meals including breakfast (95%), lunch (85%), dinner (92%) and midmorning meals (48%), while about 60% ate snacks at least once daily. Sources of energy and key nutrients were limited (yam, cassava, rice, maize, bread and beans/peas/legumes). The amount consumed per consumer of cassava products (192.2, 256.0 g), yam (169.7, 256.0 g), legumes (115.3, 150.7 g), corn/maize (160.4, 195.2), and rice (138.4, 182.3 g) were high, while beef (15.2, 17.9 g), eggs (50.6, 49.2 g), fish (27.5, 30.6 g), milk (24.2, 27.0 g) and nuts and seeds (18.2, 19.7 g) were low for children ages 4–8 and 9–13 years, respectively. In conclusion, while the frequency of meals suggests a healthy pattern, the top foods could not provide adequate nutrient (especially micronutrient) intake, which is key to the development of the target population.

The paucity of adequate data on dietary and nutrient intakes of school-age children is a barrier to addressing malnutrition and associated risks in Nigeria. This study included 955 children aged 4–13 years from Ibadan, Nigeria, using a stratified random sampling design. Information on family socio-demographic characteristics was reported, and child anthropometrics were measured. Dietary intake data were collected using a multi-pass 24 h dietary recall method; 20% of subjects completed a second 24 h recall to estimate usual nutrient intakes. Means and distributions of usual intakes of energy and nutrients as well as prevalence of inadequacy were estimated. Usual energy intake (kcal/day) was 1345 and 1590 for younger (4–8 years) and older (9–13 years) age groups, respectively. The macronutrient intakes of most children did not conform to Adequate Macronutrient Distribution Ranges (AMDRs), which were characterized by a higher proportion of energy from carbohydrates and lower proportion from total fats. Protein intake was largely within the AMDR. Compared to recommendations, over 60% of 4–8-year-old children had inadequate intakes of calcium, copper, iron, folate, and vitamins A, D, and E. There were more micronutrient inadequacies in the older children. This study identifies nutrition gaps and suggests future research and education to improve child nutrition in Nigeria.

Background: Adequate nutrition during pregnancy is crucial for the health of both the mother and fetus. However, sociocultural factors can significantly influence dietary choices and nutrient intake among pregnant women. Despite the importance of this issue, particularly in regions like South-west Nigeria, research exploring the underlying factors remains limited. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the sociocultural factors influencing food choices and nutrient intake among pregnant women in South-west Nigeria. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed combining quantitative and qualitative methods. A total of 200 pregnant women were randomly selected and administered a semi-structured questionnaire to collect data on socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics. A 24-hour dietary recall and food choice questionnaire were also administered. Additionally, in-depth interviews were conducted with a random sample of 30 pregnant women to gain deeper insights. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 27.2 ± 5.7 years, with most women (53.5%) in their second trimester. The average daily intake of fat, protein, and carbohydrates was 30.71 ± 14.20 g, 70.38 ± 31.61 g, and 314.21 ± 102.02 g respectively. These values deviate from recommended macronutrient distribution ranges, and micronutrient intakes were below recommended levels. Sociocultural factors, including socioeconomic status, cultural beliefs, and food availability, significantly influenced food choices. Factors such as husband’s decision-making, cultural acceptability, sensory appeal, perceived naturalness, food restrictions, and food taboos, were identified as key determinants of dietary patterns. Additionally, the high cost of nutritious foods limited access to a balanced diet. Conclusion: Inadequate nutrient intake among pregnant women resulted from suboptimal food choices influenced by various factors. To address this issue, intervention programs should be implemented to enhance nutrient intake and promote healthy food choices among pregnant women. Additionally, these programs should aim to reduce social and cultural barriers to healthy eating, thus improving maternal nutrition during pregnancy. Keywords: Food choice; socio-cultural drivers; pregnant women; nutrient intake.

Introduction: Food labels are vital tools for healthy dietary decisions, particularly for individuals with Nutrition-Related Non-Communicable Diseases (NR-NCDs). Despite the rising prevalence of NR-NCDs in Nigeria, knowledge and use of food labels remain low among this population. This study assessed food label knowledge and use among outpatients with NR-NCDs in selected public and private hospitals in Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods: This cross-sectional survey included 340 outpatients from selected hospitals in Ibadan and used a validated semi-structured questionnaire. Knowledge of food labels was assessed using ten 3-point questions, categorised as poor or good, while food label use was evaluated using fifteen 5-point Likert questions, grouped as poor, fair, or good. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Jonckheere-Terpstra trend tests, and binary logistic regression (p < 0.05 was considered significant). Results: Participants' mean age was 62.4 ± 12.7 years; 49.7% had tertiary education, and 74% were on diet modification plans. Consumption of pre-packaged foods was relatively low in the 24 hours before the survey. Most respondents (85.3%) had poor knowledge of food labels, while 54.7% reported seldom using food labels. Educational level was significantly associated with both knowledge (p = 0.012) and use (p < 0.001) of food labels. A significant positive trend existed between knowledge and use (p < 0.001), and higher educational attainment independently predicted food label use (OR = 1.946; 95% CI: 1.432–2.645; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Knowledge and use of food labels among outpatients with NR-NCDs in Ibadan Metropolis were poor. Interventions targeting practical label interpretation skills are needed to support dietary self-management.