Intrafamilial distribution of food and nutrients in a rural Nigerian population

Abstract

The intrafarailial distribution of food and nutrients was studied in 40 households with 388 family members in Opi and Odageri‐Edda in Anambra State, Nigeria. The adult male (moderate worker) was found to be deficient in nutrients determined except ascorbic acid and retinol when compared with FAO/WHO requirement values. The proportional intake of food according to age group when compared with intakes of adult males showed the 1–3 year age group (toddlers) consuming 33%, while the 4–6 year preschoolers consumed 44%, 7–12 year school children 64%, and 13–19 year adolescents consumed 83% of the adult males’ intake. Other household members received proportionately less food. The most severe and alarming nutrient deficiency for all household units was riboflavin.