Chemical Evaluation Of The Nutritional Adequacy Of Complementary Foods Fed To Infants, 6-12 Months Old In Cross River And Akwa Ibom States Of Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

 This study was designed to assess the types of complementary foods used in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States of Nigeria and their nutrient densities. Data was collected from a hundred selected individuals with structured, validated and pre-tested questionnaire. Information was collected on their socio-economic characteristics, ages of weaning, types of foods used in weaning babies. A chemical analysis of food samples used in weaning babies was also collected and analysed. Data collected with questionnaire were analysed using computer programs (SPSS — chi square analysis). From the findings, there was a significant difference between the ages at which complementary foods were fed in both rural and urban areas. Energy and nutrient densities were calculated for the different food samples obtained and from the results obtained, the foods used for weaning were able to satisfy the energy requirement of the infant but could not satisfy other nutrient requirements per meal.