The Potential of Solanum aethopicam Supplementation to Reduce the Anthropometric and Biochemical Risk Factors for Non-communicable Diseases among Older Persons in Mukono Municipality, Uganda: A Before-and-After Study

Abstract

Background: Non-communicable diseases contribute to over 70% of all deaths globally with the majority of the deaths in low and middle-income countries. Although increased vegetable consumption is a cost-effective intervention to mitigate the burden of non-communicable diseases, little is known about African indigenous vegetables to guide their consumption, especially among older persons. This study, aimed at exploring the potential of dietary Solanum aethopicam Shum supplementation in the reduction of the risk of non-communicable diseases among older persons aged 50 years and above in Mukono municipality, Uganda. Methods: This was a before-and-after study of 100 community-dwelling older persons aged 50 years and above residing in cosmopolitan Mukono Municipality in central Uganda. The meal of each participant was supplemented with 375g of Solanum aethiopicum Shum per day for four weeks. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were collected at baseline and at the end of the four weeks. All measurements were taken in the morning after an overnight fast. Data was entered into an Excel sheet and transferred to STATA software for analysis. All data was summarized in tables and texts. Results: Of the 100 older persons aged 50 to 88 years (mean 63 ± 10), 60% were females and on average, males were older than females. Based on the body mass index, five percent were underweight, 40% were normal, and 55% were overweight or obese at baseline. After supplementation with Solanum aethiopicum Shum, three percent were normal, 44% were normal and 53% were overweight or obese. Also, there was a mean reduction in the participants’ weight, body mass index, mid-upper arm circumference, abdominal girth, hip circumference, and C-reactive protein. Conclusion: The results suggest that supplementation of the older persons’ diet with Solanum aethiopicum Shum improves their nutrition status, and leads to a reduction in the mean weight, body mass index, mid-upper arm circumference, abdominal girth, hip circumference, and C-reactive protein levels. Dietary supplementation with Solanum aethiopicum Shum should be promoted as a potential strategy to reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases among older persons.