Plant breeding efforts in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have produced biofortified cassava with high carotenoid content to address vitamin A deficiencies (VAD). Since carotenoids in foods are easily depleted during processing, the retention of β-carotene in some newly released cassava varieties is under query. From four of these new varieties, two commonly consumed products (gari and its dough) were processed according to standard methods. Retention of β-carotene was then probed after applying fermentation periods of a day and three days. The possible contribution of the products to Vitamin A intake in children, adolescents, and women was also assessed. The concentration of β-carotene in fresh Cassava roots ranged from 5.32 to 7.81 µg/g. The percentage retention ranged from 14.4 to 29.3% and 10 to 21.7% in gari fermented for one and three days respectively. The impact of varietal difference and length of fermentation was significant on retention in the intermediate and final products (p < 0.001). When compared with dietary intake data, cooking biofortified gari into its dough reduced Vitamin A intake in most varieties. We conclude that processing Cassava into gari (especially its dough) could hinder the retention of β-carotene however some varieties have retention advantage over others irrespective of the initial concentration in their fresh roots.

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.

This commentary highlights the need to consider contextual factors when selecting recall periods for assessing dietary diversity in children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The 24-hour recall approach is standard but may be inadequate in LMICs, where food availability is seasonal. As a result, many infants and young children do not appear to meet minimum dietary diversity within the recommended 24 hours and the validity of this finding may be uncertain. Extending the recall to 7 days often reveals occasional and useful consumption of animal-source foods, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Thus, longer recall periods may better reflect habitual intake and improve assessment accuracy in resource-limited settings.

Background Poor nutrition during early childhood adversely affects growth, development, and long-term health. Nigerian toddlers experience high malnutrition rates due to sub-optimal feeding and low intake of nutrient-dense foods. Crèche environments shape toddlers' dietary intake, as many of them consume a significant portion of their daily meals there. Objective Thus, this study assessed nutrient intakes of toddlers attending selected crèches in Ibadan. Methods The methodology employed a cross-sectional design involving 345 children (12–36 months old) attending selected crèches and their mothers/caregivers, recruited through multistage probability sampling. Socio-demographic characteristics, feeding frequency, and dietary intake were collected using semi-structured questionnaire. Mothers completed the home-based section while trained interviewers administered questionnaires at the crèche. Dietary intake was assessed using an adapted 24-hour recall with foods at crèche directly weighed and mothers estimating home intake using common household measures. Results 57.4% of the children were aged 24–36 months, and 52.6% were female. 90.1% consumed 3–5 meals and snacks daily, with 89% eating ≤2 meals at crèche. Grains/cereals (99.7%) and fruits/vegetables (91.9%) were the most-consumed food groups, whereas dairy (59.5%) and pulses/nuts (44.5%) were the least-consumed. Median intakes of macronutrients exceeded the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR), while most micronutrient and fibre intakes were below EAR. Nutrient intake was associated with the child’s gender, birth order, maternal education, and socioeconomic status (p≤0.05). 64.9% met Minimum Dietary Diversity, which was associated with higher intakes of vitamin B12, vitamin C, and zinc (p≤0.05). Conclusion In conclusion, the children had adequate macronutrient intakes but inadequate micronutrient intakes and many had low dietary diversity. As most meals were brought from home, it was the main influence on dietary patterns. Targeted interventions, including caregiver training and supportive policies are needed to improve early childhood nutrition and prevent long-term malnutrition.

The total number of samples and the sampling technique were not stated. Introduction: The purpose of carrying out the study was not appropriately presented. The problem statement and justification for the study need to be revisited. The ob...