Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids are beneficial throughout the human life cycle. With regard to early child development, maternal fatty acid status influence cognitive and psychomotor development of the unborn child. Regardless of their importance in early childhood development they still receive less attention when compared to other nutrients. This paper aimed to assess knowledge, practices and intention to consume omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids among pregnant and breastfeeding women in Morogoro Municipality and the study adopted the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). A cross-sectional survey which involved 318 randomly selected pregnant and breastfeeding women was conducted in three wards of Morogoro Municipality. Data were collected through face to face interview using a questionnaire. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was used for data analysis. Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) Scores were compared with demographic characteristics by Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the level of significance set at p<0.05. The findings revealed limited knowledge on omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. However most of the participants showed positive attitude towards omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acid food sources and they intended to use them in the future if they are properly trained. Level of education had a significant influence on respondents' knowledge (p = 0.003) and attitudes (p = 0.004). It was concluded that, any attempt to increase consumption of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids among pregnant and breastfeeding women in Tanzania have to pay attention on their knowledge, attitudes and beliefs.
Complementary feeding is an effective strategy in reducing the levels of malnutrition among children aged 6-23 months. Little is known about the preparation and nutrient content of locally made complementary foods in Tanzania. This study was carried out with the aim of analysing nutrient content of the frequently used complementary foods for children of age 6 to 23 months. A cross-sectional study was conducted in three randomly selected villages in Rombo district, Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania. Information on the types of complementary foods was collected using semi-structured and 24-h dietaryrecall questionnaires. Seven samples of frequently consumed complementary foods (banana, rice and maize-based porridges) were collected and analysed for proximate, vitamins and minerals composition. The results were as follows:
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