RP-Department of Foods, Nutrition & Dietetics

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Nutrition and Cancer: A Review.
(PubMed, 1990-03) Oniang'o, R. K.; Rogo, K. O.
The issue about the aetiology of malignancies on the whole remains mysterious. There have been strong suggestion that, amongst other things, certain forms of cancer may be diet related. This has led to drastic changes in food consumption patterns in some parts of the Western world. The world over, certain types of cancers have been shown to be on the increase and the changing patterns of food consumption have occasionally been blamed. This paper reviews current thoughts in the relationship between cancer and nutrition.
Hygienic and Sanitary Practices of vendors of Street Foods in Nairobi Kenya.
(Rural Outreach Program, 2005) Muinde, O.K.; Kuria, E.
The street food industry has an important role in the cities and towns of many developing countries in meeting the food demands of the urban dwellers. It feeds millions of people daily with a wide variety of foods that are relatively cheap and easily accessible. Street food sector symbolizes the street life in Africa and it operates in an unstable and precarious state because the sector lacks legal recognition. There have been noticeable increases of food vendors in Nairobi, who sell both raw and cooked food items. There are not regulated, they operate haphazardly without any monitoring of what they prepare and how they do it. A study to determine hygienic and sanitary practices of vendors of street foods in Nairobi was carried out using a descriptive survey design. A sample size of 80 street food vendors selling commonly consumed foods was selected. Data was collected using in-depth interview schedules and observation checklists. Information from the study shows that vendors lacked training on food preparation. About 62% obtained food preparation skills through observation while 33% were taught by their parents in non-formal settings. The preparation surfaces used for the preparation of raw foods were not washed regularly. Cooked foods were stored at ambient temperature in cupboards, plastic bowls, jugs and buckets were just left in the open uncovered. Eighty-five per cent of the vendors had garbage and waste bins beside the food stalls. Personal hygiene was not also observed, as the vendors never covered their heads, handled money and food at the same time and they did not wear overcoats/aprons and handled food with bare hand. Street food vendors were not aware of hygienic and sanitary practice. The food is sold to unsuspecting clients who are likely to get food-borne diseases. This study recommends the establishment of street food centres by the city council, the training of street food vendors on hygiene, sanitation and the establishment of code of practice for the street food industry and the empowerment of Public Health Officers
Utilization and Medicinal Value of Indigenous Leafy Vegetables Consumed in Urban and Peri-Urban Nairobi
(Bioline International, 2007) Kimiywe, Judith; Waudo, Judith N.; Mbithe, Dorcus; Maundu, Patrick
Indigenous African leafy vegetables have recently been attracting research attention not only in terms of their inherent nutrition quality but also the healing power of some of these plants. Diversification of diets through increased utilization and consumption of these vegetables would go along way in alleviating hidden hunger and malnutrition. The main objective of this survey was to determine the consumption patterns and medicinal use of indigenous African leafy vegetables by the residents of urban and peri-urban Nairobi. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted and the survey subjects included populations from all socio-economic strata and income levels. Probability proportional to size stratified sampling was used to select a representative sample of 800 households (600 urban and 200 peri-urban). Data were collected through structured questionnaires, focus group discussions and an observation checklist guide. A picture guide consisting of all foods available on the Nairobi markets was prepared, and used by the researchers to help the respondents to identify the vegetables they consumed. Ethnic origin was found to greatly influence consumption of indigenous African leafy vegetables. There was no significant relationship between household income and education level and choice or use of indigenous leafy vegetables. Some of the reasons for not consuming the vegetables included prohibitive costs and not knowing how to cook them especially those from other tribes. More than 60 percent of the respondents reported that the vegetables had a medicinal value attached to it and some were said to cure more than one disease. About half of those who used them also said the vegetables were healthy. It was concluded that dietary diversity of indigenous African leafy vegetables in addition to providing essential nutrients presumably offers broad benefits to health. The findings support interventions to promote use of indigenous African leafy vegetables as a foodbased initiative towards alleviation of micronutrient deficiencies and poverty through premium value addition incentive strategies.
Kinetics of the Stability of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea Cv. Italica) Myrosinase and Isothiocyanates in Broccoli Juice during Pressure/Temperature Treatments.
(Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 2007-03) Hendrickx, M.; Van, E. D.; Van, L. A.
The Brassicaceae plant family contains high concentrations of glucosinolates, which can be hydrolyzed by myrosinase yielding products having an anticarcinogenic activity. The pressure and temperature stabilities of endogenous broccoli myrosinase, as well as of the synthetic isothiocyanates sulforaphane and phenylethyl isothiocyanate, were studied in broccoli juice on a kinetic basis. At atmospheric pressure, kinetics of thermal (45-60 degrees C) myrosinase inactivation could be described by a consecutive step model. In contrast, only one phase of myrosinase inactivation was observed at elevated pressure (100-600 MPa) combined with temperatures from 10 up to 60 degrees C, indicating inactivation according to first-order kinetics. An antagonistic effect of pressure (up to 200 MPa) on thermal inactivation (50 degrees C and above) of myrosinase was observed indicating that pressure retarded the thermal inactivation. The kinetic parameters of myrosinase inactivation were described as inactivation rate constants (k values), activation energy (Ea values), and activation volume (Va values). On the basis of the kinetic data, a mathematical model describing the pressure and temperature dependence of myrosinase inactivation rate constants was constructed. The stability of isothiocyanates was studied at atmospheric pressure in the temperature range from 60 to 90 degrees C and at elevated pressures in the combined pressure-temperature range from 600 to 800 MPa and from 30 to 60 degrees C. It was found that isothiocyanates were relatively thermolabile and pressure stable. The kinetics of HP/T isothiocyanate degradation could be adequately described by a first-order kinetic model. The obtained kinetic information can be used for process evaluation and optimization to increase the health effect of Brassicaceae.
Socioeconomic and demographic profiles of households with children aged 6-59 months, Mbita Division, Suba District, Kenya
(WFLPublisher, 2007-04) Omo, Ohiokpehai; Kimiywe, Judith; Chianu, J.; Mbithe, D.; Sanginga, N.
Household socioeconomic and demographic characteristics have been shown to have significant influence on nutrition and health status outcome. Their role in nutrition and health status of individuals infected or in households affected by HIV cannot therefore be ignored. Several studies and scientific literature have identified socioeconomic status (SES) as powerful determinant of health status. In fact, today health disparities as a result of SES have become important issues of public health concern worldwide. Higher morbidity and mortality among people with lower SES have been extensively reported. Moreover, household SES has been shown to have great influence on the nutritional quality of children’s diet in turn affecting their nutrition status. The survey was carried out to establish the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of households with children aged 6-59 months in Mbita Division, Suba District. A descriptive cross-sectional survey study was conducted in three sub-locations. Also a pre-tested structured questionnaire was administered in 265 households with at least one child aged 6-59 months inclusive. Verbal consent was sought before the questionnaire was administered. Data obtained was coded, edited and statistically analyzed using SPSS software. Over 30% of the study population was children under-five, followed by those in the 16-25 age-ranges (23%). The average household size was 4.8. Overall, the study area has young population with 92% falling between 0-36 years, an indication of low life expectancy. Females (53.9%) constituted more than half of the total household members (n = 1278), while males constituted 46.1%. A large proportion of the households were male-headed (87.2%) compared to 12.8% headed by females. Thirty nine percent of the households belong to the protestant religion, followed by Seventh Day Adventists (36.1%). Literacy level in the study population was relatively low, 56% has primary education, < 18% and 5% secondary and tertiary education respectively. The study also revealed high level of unemployment rate in the study area, with 17.1% involved in unpaid employment. Finally the majority of the households fall within the low SES with deepening poverty background depicted by low educational achievement, occupational status and small land holding acreage. Attention to education and poverty alleviation programs might assist in curbing the possible negative effects associated with low SES on the nutrition and health status of members of such households.
Effect of soybean (glycine max) Supplementation on nutritional status of school children aged 6-9 years from HIV affected households in Suba District, Kenya
(Biosciences Journals, 2008) Kamau, Joyce; Ohiokpehai, Omo; Mbithe, Dorcus; Kimiywe, Judith; Oteba, Lawrence; Were, Gertrude; King’olla, Brenda
Objective: This study investigated the effect of soybean supplementation on the nutritional status of school children from HIV affected households in western Kenya. Methodology and Results: A research design was used with 54 and 56 randomly selected subjects in the experimental and control groups, respectively. The experimental group received corn-soy blend porridge for three months at school. A structured questionnaire and anthropometry were used to collect data. Malnutrition levels among the experimental group reduced from 10.2, 28.9 and 5.6% for underweight, stunting and wasting, respectively, to 6.2, 16.7 and 3.4%, respectively. The control group registered 11.4, 28.5 and 8.7% underweight, stunting and wasting, respectively at baseline. Underweight and wasting rose to 14.3 and 9.5%, respectively, while stunting dropped to 21.5%, which were insignificant changes. Conclusion and application of findings: The feeding trial using corn-soy blend improved the nutritional status of school children in Suba District. It is likely that significant improvement of the pupils’ nutritional status would be realized with extended feeding periods. Soybean has potential to curb protein energy malnutrition and its utilization should be promoted in HIV and AIDS affected areas to alleviate malnutrition.
Promotion of Nutrition Education interventions in rural and urban Primary schools in Machakos District, Kenya
(Biosciences Journals, 2008) Mbithe, Dorcus; Kimiywe, Judith O.; Waudo, Judith N.; Orodho, John Aluko
Objective: Nutrition knowledge among primary school children in Kenya requires improvement because the coverage of nutrition in syllabi has been on a downward trend since independence. A nine-month nutrition education intervention was conducted to address the gap in knowledge among school children in Machakos District. Methodology and results: A baseline survey was conducted among 350 pupils in classes 5 and 6 in 15 out of 23 schools in the zone. Two experimental and two control schools were selected from a rural and urban set-up to participate in the 9-month intervention. Structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, pre-tests and post-tests were used to collect data. SPSS and Nutri-Survey computer packages were used to analyze data in descriptive and inferential statistics. Nutrition knowledge among pupils improved significantly in experimental rural and urban schools compared to the control schools. Although not statistically significant, underweight, stunting and wasting levels before the intervention reduced from 14.5, 28.9 and 3.9% respectively, to 11.8, 21 and 2.6%, respectively after the intervention. Conclusion and potential application of findings: There was significant improvement in nutrition knowledge and practices in both rural and urban experimental schools. Transfer of nutrition information and skills learnt at school to the community was also noted. Although food shortage may be a leading cause of malnutrition, lack of nutrition education is an equally important factor that should be addressed in tackling malnutrition. Nutrition education could be efficiently provided in the enabling environment provided by schools using affordable and easily available resources such as school gardens. More effort should be made to strengthen nutrition education among school children in developing countries.
Nutritional status and morbidity among HIV/AIDS-affected children aged 6-9 years in Suba district, Kenya
(WFLPublisher, 2008-04) Were, Gertrude M.; Omo, Ohiokpehai; Kimiywe, Judith; Mbagaya, Grace M.; Okeyo-Owuor, J.B.; Kamau, Joyce; Mbithe, Dorcus
The HIV/AIDS pandemic continues to claim lives and render many children orphans. More than 3 million people died from AIDS including half a million children. In Sub-Saharan Africa, it is estimated that 12 million children have been orphaned by HIV and this number is set to increase. HIV/ AIDS orphaned children suffer malnutrition which adversely affects their health. Objective of this study was to establish the magnitude of underweight, stunting and wasting as indicators of malnutrition among HIV/AIDS-affected school children aged 6-9 years in Suba district. A crosssectional research design was used and setting included Lambwe, Sindo and Ong’ayo primary schools in Suba district. A total of 150 children were sampled from HIV/AIDS-affected households. Anthropometric measurements and guided questionnaires were the main tools of data collection. Data was analyzed using SPSS and the Nutri-survey computer software programs. Of the children 8.8% were underweight, 13.3% stunted and 7.6% wasted. Cereals formed the main part of the childrens’ diet, fish was the most consumed protein and vegetable and fruit consumption was low. Total kilocalories taken were 41% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance. The most reported illnesses which were also confirmed by the doctor’s clinical assessment were malaria (16%), upper respiratory infections (6.1%) and skin infections (8.0%). Primary education was completed by 67.4% of mothers, while only 1.2% had post secondary education. The average monthly maternal income was Ksh 1,550 ($ 24.2). Food security was reported to be low as 64.6% of the households purchased food three months after harvest. HIV/AIDS-affected children suffered underweight, stunting and wasting with morbidity, poverty, low educational and occupational status of the parents/guardians cited as probable determinants. Interventions should therefore focus on improved agricultural production, innovative poverty alleviation methods and education.
Nutrition and Public Hygiene among Children under Five Years of Age in Mukuru Slums of Makadara Division, Nairobi.
(East African medical journal, 2008-08) Muoki, Margaret Ahembe; Tumuti, D. S.; Rombo, G. O.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between sanitation and malnutrition among children below five years. DESIGN: A random sampling followed by an experimental design on microbiological analysis of food and water samples. SETTING: Mukuru slums of Makadara division in Nairobi City. SUBJECTS: Eighty food and thirty water samples from households within the study area were used. RESULTS: Poor food and personal hygiene were observed within the households in the study area. Most of the respondents did not practice hygienic methods during food handling such as washing hands and vegetables before preparation. Food especially the leftovers was served at ambient temperatures. Sneezing and coughing over food during preparation were also a common practice which exposed consumers to contamination, Garbage disposal and proper drainage were also poor deepening on the sanitation problem. Microbiological analysis of water and food revealed that food and water quality were poor due to the high coliform counts and confirmed presence of Escherichia coli (E-coli) and Salmonella spp. pathogens which are known causes of diarrhoea in children under five years of age. CONCLUSION: Poor hygienic and unsanitary practices are major causes of diarrhoea, hence malnutrition in crowded Mukuru slums of Nairobi City.
Anemia in the Context of Pregnancy and HIV/AIDS: A Case of Pumwani Maternity Hospital in Nairobi Kenya
(African Scholarly Science Communication Trust, 2009) Waweru, J.; Mugenda, O.; Kuria, E.
Anemia is a major public health problem in Africa affecting over 80% of women in many countries. It is more common during pregnancy due to the increased demand for iron at different stages of pregnancy. In Kenya, one out of every two mothers is affected by some form of anemia. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) among expectant women further increase risk of anemia prevalence and severity. This study was to determine the socio-economic characteristics, dietary pattern of pregnant women and investigate the relationship between iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and HIV/AIDS in pregnancy. A case-control study was conducted in Pumwani Maternity Hospital in Nairobi Kenya. The HIV status was ascertained through HIV-antibody tests using Determine, Uni- Gold and Tie-Breaker reagents. Cases of 57 seropositive and controls of 57 seronegative pregnant women were randomly and co-currently selected. Their hemoglobin (Hb), demographic, socio-economic characteristics were determined. A 24-hour dietary recall and food frequency were used to determine the food consumption pattern. Results showed that both cases and controls were from low socio-economic status and consumed monotonous diets of plant origin particularly Ugali, a paste made from maize flour and kales vegetables locally known as Sukumawiki. Fruits were rarely consumed. The meals were mainly consumed three times in a day with snacks consumed by an insignificant number of women. With exception of pre-eclampsia, other pregnant-related problems including headache, dizziness, loss of appetite, heartburn and vomiting were more predominant among the cases than in the controls. Iron deficiency anemia was more prevalent and severe among the cases (prevalence=68%, mean Hb=9.551g/dl) than the controls (prevalence=26.3 %, mean Hb=11.974g/dl). The relative risk of being anemic was about two times higher for HIV-infected as of the uninfected pregnant women, (Relative risk=2.33). It is concluded that pregnant women from low socio-economic status consume diets with iron of low biological value, have low Hb and are generally anemic. Moreover, HIV-infected pregnant women have lower Hb and are two times more likely to be anemic than the uninfected. The HIV/AIDS infection is therefore associated with low Hb and higher anemia prevalence and severity among pregnant women. There is, therefore, a need for pre-natal nutrition care system that emphasizes improved consumption of essential nutrients including iron of high biological value and implementation of interventions tailored to check anemia prevalence and severity among pregnant women within the context of HIV/AIDS pandemic and low socioeconomic settings.
Food consumption and nutritional status of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA): a case of Thika and Bungoma Districts, Kenya
(2009) Kuria, Elizabeth Nafula
Objective: To establish the food consumption, dietary habits and nutritional status of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and adults whose HIV status is not established. Design: Cross-sectional descriptive survey. Setting: Thika and Bungoma Districts, Kenya. Subjects: A random sample of 439 adults; 174 adults living with HIV/AIDS and 265 adults whose HIV/AIDS status was not established in Thika and Bungoma Districts. Results: Majority of PLWHA consume foods that are low in nutrients to build up the immune system and help maintain adequate weight, and there is little variety in the foods they consume. More adults who are HIV-positive are undernourished than those whose status is not established. Of the HIV-positive adults, those with a BMI of #18?5 kg/m2 were 23?6% (Thika 20?0% and Bungoma 25?7%) while of the adults whose status is not established those with BMI#18?5 kg/m2 were 13?9% (Thika 9?3% and Bungoma 16?7 %). Conclusions: Adults who are HIV-positive are more likely to be undernourished than those whose status is not established, as there is a significant difference (P50?000) between the nutritional status (BMI) of PLWHA and those whose HIV/ AIDS status is not established. PLWHA consume foods that are low in nutrients to promote their nutritional well-being and health.
Serum zinc levels of school children on a corn-soy blend feeding trial in primary schools in Suba district, Kenya
(Biosciences Journals, 2009) Omo, Ohiokpehai; Mbithe, Dorcus; Kamau, Joyce
Objective: Micronutrient deficiencies are among the top ten leading causes of death in Sub Saharan Africa. In Suba district of Kenya, the problem is compounded by high poverty levels and a high prevalence of HIV and AIDS. This study determined the effect of corn soy fortified complementary food on serum zinc levels among primary school pupils in Suba district. Methodology and results: An experimental study was conducted with children in two schools (Mbita and Sindo) being fed with corn soy blend for three months. Children in a third school (Ong’ayo primary) were the control and were not fed with the corn-soy blend. Blood samples at baseline were drawn from 156 school children aged 6 to 9 years from the 3 schools (Mbita 55, Sindo 52 and Ong’ayo 49) through systematic sampling while blood samples at follow up were drawn from 138 children (Mbita 49, Sindo 46 and Ong’ayo 43). Assessments of serum zinc were done before and after three months of feeding. SPSS and Nutri-survey software packages were used to analyze data into descriptive and inferential statistics. At baseline, nearly all (95.7%) of the pupils were found to be deficient, with low serum zinc (<10.7µm/l). There was a significant reduction (p=0.0421) in the number of zinc deficient cases to 70.2% after feeding for 3 months on corn soy blend with the mean serum zinc having improved from 8.4 to 10.2 µm/l (p=0.002). Although not significantly different, girls had higher serum zinc levels than boys before feeding trials while the opposite was observed after the feeding trials. Conclusion and potential application of findings: The fortified complementary food significantly improved serum zinc levels and reduced the level of absenteeism from school. Parents are therefore encouraged to introduce and ensure families consume more of corn-soy blended foods at home. It would also be valuable for schools with feeding programmes to introduce corn-soy blends or products as part of school meals. The findings can also be used by policy makers to promote production and consumption of soya beans. Authors recommend a similar study be conducted in a different area among the same age group and results compared to validate the findings of this study.
Demographic characteristics and dietary supplements use by male rugby players in the 2006 season of Kenya cup league
(Kenyatta University, 2009) Mse, E.; Kimiywe, Judith; Njororai, W.W.S.
The purpose of the study was to establish demographic characteristics and dietary supplements use by Kenya Cup Rugby Players. This study investigated the age, level of education, occupation, experience and club affiliation of the players. The study adopted the descriptive survey design. Data were gathered from a sample of 140 respondents obtained through stratified random sampling. The target population included all rugby players who participated in the Kenya Cup Rugby League of the 2006 season. The teams comprised of Kenya Commercial Bank, Harlequins, Nonderscripts, Mwamba, Impala, Mean Machine and United States International University. Questionnaires were used to collect data. Data collected was expressed in terms of frequencies and percentages. The findings revealed that majority (78%) of the players were below the age of 25 years. The largest proportion of the players had attained tertiary/university level of education (65%). A greater number of the players were students (74%). Half of the players had been with their teams for a period of3- 6 years (50%), whereas, a small (12%) proportion of respondents had played for the national team for duration of less than 2 years. The percentages in age declined significantly because the game of rugby is not a professional sport. Most of the players possess high levels of education to enable them have the capacity to assimilate the importance of nutrition for good health. Players tend to play for their teams longer than at the national level since there is high competition at that level which the players may not sustain. The study recommended that youth programmes of the game of rugby should be established to tap talent from the grass root level and it should be made a professional sport. Further research should be conducted on women rugby teams and other variables apart from those in the present study.
Effect of fermentation on protein digestibility of soybean and sweet potato blends: aspergillus oryzae vs. Lactobacillus plantarum
(Kenyatta university, 2009) Tuitoek, P.J.; Mahungu, S.M.; Shalo, P.L.; Kiplamai, F. K.
The improvement of nutritional quality of foods through fermentation has been practiced for long. Fermentation imparts desirable characteristics to products and makes them more utilizable nutrient sources than the unfermented products. Sweet potatoes have been under utilized industrially and are mainly used at household level. Soybeans are rich in proteins but their full utilization has been hampered by their anti-nutritional properties which are destroyed by heating and fermentation. The purpose of this study was to produce suitable blends of soybean and sweet potato flours targeted at alleviating protein related malnutrition. The quality characteristics of the fermented and unfermented soybean and sweet potato composite flours were compared. The fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum was at 370C for 168 hours with sampling every 24 hours. The Aspergillus oryzae fermentation was performed at 250C for six weeks with samples taken weekly for laboratory analysis. In-vitro protein digestibility was determined enzymatically. The data obtained was subjected to General Linear Model (GLM) of the Statistical Analysis System (SAS). Protein digestibility was improved by an average 4% (p< O.05) in the bacterial fermented composites and by an average of 5.5% (p< O.05) in the composite flours fermented with the mould. The composite containing 50% soybean and 50% sweet potato reflected higher protein digestibility than the composite with 25% soybean and 75% sweet potato. Fermentation significantly increased protein digestibility but an initial drop was observed in the higher (50% soybean and 50% sweet potato) protein composite for both bacterial and mould fermentations. Optimum protein digestibility improvement was achieved thus a baseline for development of suitable blends targeting protein malnutrition.
The Availability of Processed Fruit Products and Their Contents of Vitamins A and C in Nairobi, Kenya
(African Scholarly Science Communications Trust, 2009-01) Olielo, T. K. O.; Rombo, G. O.
In Kenya, among children of less than five years, 84% have vitamin A deficiency, 73.4% have iron deficiency, and 51% have zinc deficiency. Among women, 39% have vitamin A deficiency, while among pregnant women, 60% have iron deficiency. Among adult males, 16% have iron deficiency. Improving vitamin A status of children in developing countries reduces child death rates by 20-50%. The WHO recommends per capita consumption of 200 g of fruit on average daily to supply vitamins. Consumption of fruit is low because of lack of awareness on benefits of fruit, poverty and post-harvest losses due to lack of skills for processing and storage. The objectives of this research were to survey household consumption of foods especially processed fruit products in Nairobi, and analyze nutritional quality of processed fruit products. Three estates representing different income groups were selected for the study. Household monthly low, middle, and high incomes were, respectively KES ≤14000, KES 14001 to 56000 and KES >56000; (KES 69 = US$1). A random sample of 130 households per estate was interviewed using 24 hour recall for seven days to assess consumption of processed fruit products. Laboratory analyses were carried out on contents of vitamin A and C. Results showed that all income groups did not consume recommended amounts of fruit products. Those who consumed processed fruit products consisted of 4.5% low income, 33% middle income and 62.5% high income households. Per capita annual consumption by the low income averaged 2.9 L fruit soft drinks, by the middle income was 5.9 L fruit soft drinks and 0.51 kg fruit preserve, and by high income group were 12 L fruit soft drinks and 0.95 kg fruit preserve. Per capita average consumption per annum was 7 L fruit soft drinks and 0.5 kg fruit preserve. Laboratory analysis of processed fruit products showed that they had good content of vitamin C and some vitamin A. However, vitamins are not included in national standards for these products. Quality failure involved one fruit-flavoured drink because it was labelled with fruit pictorial. It is recommended that public education be carried out on use of fruit products for nutrition, poverty reduction and health. Processors should apply quality standards, nutritional labelling and controlled pricing to improve consumption of fruit products. Results of this study shall be useful to processors, consumers, nutritionists, government agencies and UN organizations for promoting production, processing, and consumption of fruit products by Kenyans.
The effects of soybean (Glycine max) and pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) food mixtures on the nutritional status of school children in Suba District, Kenya
(WFL publishers, 2009-04) Omo, Ohiokpehai; Mbithe, Dorcus; Kamau, Joyce
The effects of HIV and AIDS are reversing the developmental gains on malnutrition in Africa. It is important to reposition nutrition for development that is sustainable, especially in resource poor areas, an example which is Suba District in Nyanza province. Suba District has the highest prevalence of HIV and AIDS which is currently 31%. This has resulted in inadequate food at the household level leading to macro and micronutrient deficiencies. The objective of the work was to establish the effect of corn-soy and corn-pigeon pea blends on nutritional status of school children aged 6-9 years in Suba District, Kenya. An experimental research design was adopted that would enable the data to be analyzed statistically. Two primary schools were purposively selected followed by a systematic sampling of the pupils leading to the selection of 49 pupils from Mbita and 52 pupils from Ong’ayo schools. The children were purposely chosen to be affected by HIV and known to be vulnerable in the community. Soybean or pigeon peacorn mixtures were commercially prepared at NUTRO EPZ, Athi River, Kenya, to give 14% protein of roasted flour. The children were fed at midday in school and a take home ration was prepared to serve a family of five during the weekend to ensure that the index child was allowed to eat his/ her portion. Anthropometric techniques were used for data collection. Pupils from Mbita were fed on corn-soy while those from Ong’ayo were fed on corn-pigeon pea blends for five months. Nutrisurvey and SPSS were used for data analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to interpret results at p<0.05 confidence interval. Stunting level in Mbita decreased from 21.6 to 16.4% and in Ong’ayo from 21.5 to 18.8%. Underweight and wasting decreased significantly (p<0.05). Grain legumes can improve nutritional status of children; however, a longer feeding (intervention) period and a more dense food type are needed to allow for a better impact. Grain legumes, especially soybeans, contain genistein and immune-boosting substances that can improve growth and could decrease the use of nutritional intervention.
Potential role of street foods as micronutrients sources among low income groups in Nairobi, Kenya
(African Journals Online, 2009-08) Oyunga, Ogubi MA; Waudo, Judith N.; Afullo, A.O.; Oiye, SO
Although more than 40% of Nairobi’s lower-income groups consume street foods, there is paucity of information available for urban policy makers and programmers on the potential contribution of street foods to micronutrient intake. A cross-sectional survey and a non-repetitive 24-hour dietary recall were employed to determine household intake of vitamin A, iron and zinc, and the proportion of the intakes from street foods in the selected Kangemi and Dandora estates in Nairobi, Kenya (low and middle-low income groups respectively). Results indicate that there was no significant statistical difference in the consumption pattern of street foods between the two sites. Absolute vitamin A, iron and zinc intake from street foods were comparatively lower among the low income groups as compared to middle-low income groups, these variations were not significant except for zinc. Street foods were less important vitamin A source in Kangemi (4.4% of total intake and 2.64% of the RDA) than in Dandora (26% of total intake and 9.46% of the RDA). The proportion of those who obtained at least 50% of total vitamin A from street foods was also significantly higher in Dandora. Iron intake contributed by street foods significantly differed with Dandora being higher (30%) than Kangemi (21%). Although not significantly different, those who obtained at least 50% iron from street foods was higher in Dandora than Kangemi. Iron intake from street foods in both sites (15mg/AE in Kangemi and 25mg/AE in Dandora) was sufficient to meet the RDA for iron for adults (5-28mg/AE). Zinc intake contributed by street foods was not significantly higher in Dandora (25.2%) than Kangemi (16.7%). The proportion of those who obtained at least 50% of their zinc intake from the street foods was also insignificantly higher in Dandora (12%) than Kangemi (7%). Overall, street foods are better contributors of iron (26% of total intake) and zinc (21%) than vitamin A (12%).Apparent factors that tend to potentially influence street foods contribution to micronutrient nutrition are economic status, availability and proximity to street foods, consumption pattern and the type of street foods sold. Street food trade deserves recognition by urban policy makers in order to improve the opportunities of vendors to support their livelihood and to ensure the availability of affordable, safe and nutritious food for low income consumers.
Food consumption and nutritional status of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA): a case of Thika and Bungoma Districts, Kenya
(Public Health Nutrition, 2009-09) Kuria, E. N.
Objective: To establish the food consumption, dietary habits and nutritional status of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and adults whose HIV status is not established. Design: Cross-sectional descriptive survey. Setting: Thika and Bungoma Districts, Kenya. Subjects: A random sample of 439 adults; 174 adults living with HIV/AIDS and 265 adults whose HIV/AIDS status was not established in Thika and Bungoma Districts. Results: Majority of PLWHA consume foods that are low in nutrients to build up the immune system and help maintain adequate weight, and there is little variety in the foods they consume. More adults who are HIV-positive are undernourished than those whose status is not established. Of the HIV-positive adults, those with a BMI of #18?5 kg/m2 were 23?6% (Thika 20?0% and Bungoma 25?7%) while of the adults whose status is not established those with BMI#18?5 kg/m2 were 13?9% (Thika 9?3% and Bungoma 16?7 %). Conclusions: Adults who are HIV-positive are more likely to be undernourished than those whose status is not established, as there is a significant difference (P50?000) between the nutritional status (BMI) of PLWHA and those whose HIV/ AIDS status is not established. PLWHA consume foods that are low in nutrients to promote their nutritional well-being and health.
The impact of a nutrition and health programme on the socio-economic status and food access of households in Suba District, Kenya
(Biosciences Journals, 2009-09-07) King'olla, Brenda; Ohiokpehai, Omo; Mbithe, Dorcus
Objective: Poor nutrition and ill health affect the productivity, livelihoods and food access of a household. This study investigated the impact of a nutrition and health programme on the socioeconomic status and food access of households in Suba district, Kenya. Methodology and results: Action research design was utilized that involved comparison of the baseline and impact evaluation results after a three-year intervention period. A sample size of 291 randomly selected households from a community whose main economic activity is fishing was used. Data collection instruments included a structured questionnaire, focus group discussion guide and an observation checklist. Data was analyzed using SPSS computer package version 16. A P-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Over a three-year period, household size increased from 4.8 to 5.5. Education levels improved insignificantly (P>0.05) while income levels improved with monthly maternal income improving from a minimum of Ksh. 100 to 300 (1.5 to 4.0 US dollars). About 89.6 and 3.4% of households obtained food from own produce and purchase combined with assistance, respectively. About 51.2, 3 and 64% reported to consider their households food secure when there was clear moonlight as the fishermen in their households were assured of a good fish catch, at the end of the month when households had some cash income, and if they harvested between 2 to 5 bags of maize (each 90kg), per season, respectively. More than a third (32.6%) of the respondents were involved in small business while 50.9 and 16.5% were involved in actual fishing and farming, respectively. Only 6.2% of the respondents had access to credit facilities. After 3 years, food consumption patterns did not change significantly from the baseline. Sanitation and morbidity patterns did not improve significantly at the households albeit with nutrition and health education, with 27.5 and 30.9% not having latrines and refuse disposal bins/pits, respectively. The households bathed, washed and drew drinking water from the same point in Lake Victoria. Conclusion and potential application of findings: Nutrition and health programmes have potential to improve the socioeconomic status and household food access depending on content coverage of the programmes.
Acidification, crushing and thermal treatments can influence the profile and stability of folate poly-γ-glutamates in broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica)
(Elsevier, 2009-12-01) Munyaka, A. W.; Oey, I.; Verlinde, P.; Loey, A. V.; Hendrickx, M.
The influence of different treatments, i.e., crushing, high temperature short time (90 °C/4 min) (HTST) and low temperature long time (60 °C/40 min) (LTLT) blanching, acidification (pH 4.3), and sequences of these treatments on the folate poly-γ-glutamate profile and stability were investigated. In this study, broccoli was used as a case study. Regarding the folate poly-γ-glutamate profile, endogenous folate poly-γ-glutamates in broccoli florets were found predominantly as hepta- and hexa-γ-glutamates. Crushing raw broccoli, acidification and LTLT blanching enhanced folate deconjugation resulting in monoglutamate, di- and tri-γ-glutamates. Compared to other treatments, HTST blanching preformed prior to crushing resulted in the highest concentration of long chain poly-γ-glutamates. Regarding folate poly-γ-glutamates stability, acidification combined with LTLT blanching decreased folate stability whereas HTST blanching combined with different sequences of blanching and crushing did not affect folate poly-γ-glutamates stability. It was concluded that crushing (prior to heating), acidification and blanching could be strategically applied to increase the folate monoglutamate content of broccoli.

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