Socioeconomic determinants of protein and calorie consumption and potential risk of protein-energy malnutrition among households in South-West Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose – The study aimed to investigate the problem of malnutrition among Nigerian households with emphasis on protein and calorie intake. Design/methodology/approach – Multi-stage random sampling approach was used to select 321 household members drawn from a total of 80 households. A combination of descriptive and inferential statistics was applied in analysing the data. Findings – The study revealed that household income, dependency ratio, education and gender of household head, among others, are factors that would significantly influence per capita daily calorie and protein intake of households. Protein-energy malnutrition is more of inadequate calorie than protein intake. There was confirmatory evidence of inadequate consumption of calorie among pre-school and school age children, while adult male members seemed to consume the above requirements with the possibility of being at the risk of obesity. Though children were undernourished, they are unlikely to be marasmic. Originality/value – The study examined the problem of malnutrition among Nigerian households with emphasis on protein and calorie intake. Socio-economic factors influencing per capita calorie and protein intakes as well as the possible risks of protein-energy malnutrition among household members were also examined. The patterns of intake of calorie and protein consumption among household members indicated the possibility of over-nutrition and under-nutrition coexisting among members of the households with over-nutrition and potential risks of obesity in adult males and under-nutrition among pre-school and school age children.

Protein intake adequacy among Nigerian infants, children, adolescents and women and protein quality of commonly consumed foods

“…The study of Walpole et al conducted in 2012 (20) estimated an average body mass of 60·7 kg for African adults, both male and female, which was used in the present review as a reference weight when adult body weight was not reported in the study. The level of satisfaction (LOS), which is a measure of protein intake adequacy, as reported in 2014 by Akerele et al (4) , was calculated by dividing the mean protein intake by the calculated recommended daily protein intake for the participants (both EAR and RDA). A LOS above 100 % EAR/RDA means that the protein intake can be considered adequate.…”

“…1). Protein-rich foods are usually expensive and not all households have the purchasing power to acquire them (4) . Therefore, it can be speculated that protein deficiency is more prevalent in northern Nigeria since there are fewer financial resources available to buy protein-rich foods.…”

“…** Digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS) determined by multiplying the reference ratio of the first (marked red) and second (marked yellow) limiting amino acid by 100 %. this knowledge to better understand the context of protein malnutrition (4,59,60) . Also, we believe further research into the effects of maternal diets deficient in essential amino acids on the breast milk amino acid composition is warranted.…”

“…Some studies have already been conducted on determinants (for example, socio-economic factors, education, infections) of protein intake and PEM, and it is advised to extend Table 11. Digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS) of a mixture of rice, cowpeas and tilapia (mixed meal) using the method of the FAO (19) Portion (g)* Protein (g/100 g) † Protein content in portion ‡ this knowledge to better understand the context of protein malnutrition (4,59,60) . Also, we believe further research into the effects of maternal diets deficient in essential amino acids on the breast milk amino acid composition is warranted.…”

“…PEM, a form of undernutrition, indicates a lack of supply to the body or underutilisation of protein and energy (4,5) . In 2012, PEM was the tenth leading cause of death in the Nigerian population, accounting for 2•5 % of total deaths (6) .…”