Effects of a Traditional Feeding Practice on the Nutritional Status of Mothers and Children: A Case Study of Selected Breastfeeding Mothers and Their Children from Biu LGA of Borno State, Nigeria

¹Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Engineering, University of Maiduguri, PMB 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

²Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal Polytechnic Mubi, Adamawa State, Nigeria

*Corresponding author: Amin O Igwegbe, Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Engineering, University of Maiduguri, PMB 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, E-mails: [email protected]; [email protected].

Received Date : March 01, 2024

Publication Date: March 25, 2024

Citation: Zanna RA, et al. (2024). Effects of a Traditional Feeding Practice on the Nutritional Status of Mothers and Children: A Case Study of Selected Breastfeeding Mothers and Their Children from Biu LGA of Borno State, Nigeria. Nutraceutical Res. 3(1):4.

Copyright: Zanna RA, et al. © (2024).

ABSTRACT

Guna (Citrillus vulgaris) seed has been reportedly used in different ways by different tribes in Nigeria. The uses of the seeds include for soups, gruels or pap, and snacks. The intents of this study were to assess the use of guna pap, the nutrient composition of guna pap and the effect of traditional practice of guna pap food habit on nutritional status (weight) of lactating women and their children. The study was carried out on selected breastfeeding mothers living in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, Nigeria, who were visiting the General Hospital Biu for either ante-natal or postnatal care during the study period. A cross sectional hospital-based study design was employed to assess the nutritional status of the breastfeesing mothers and their breast fed children in the study area. The proximate composition of the guna pap and the energy value were quantified using the standard methods of analysis. Results indicated that the guna pap, which is used in traditional feeding practice by breastfeeding mothers in the Local Government Area, had energy content of about 330 kcal and vitamins B1, B2 and B6 that could meet the recommended intake for breastfeeding mothers. Mothers who consumed the guna pap during lactation had higher weight gain than those who did not take the pap. Also, the children of mothers that consumed the pap had highest weight gain than those whose mothers did not take the pap; and the weight for age of those children showed a positive increment. It was concluded that the high energy and micro-nutrient contents of the guna pap was responsible for bettering the nutritional status of the breastfeeding mothers and their children, and therefore, the pap was highly recommended for consumption particularly during  lactating period.

Keywords: guna seed, guna pap, Breastfeeding Mothers, Micro-Nutrient, Nutritional Status.