Micronutrients, Energy Intake and Body Mass Index Among Adolescents from Kano State Nigeria

Abstract

Measurement of dietary intake in children and adolescents is an integral component of the methods for monitoring the nutritional status of these age groups and for conducting epidemiologic and clinical research on the links between diet and health. This research was aimed at assessing the micro nutrients and energy intakes in relation to age, sex and body mass index (BMI) among adolescents from Kano State, Nigeria. The study adopted a survey design. Adolescents aged 12 to 19 years (n = 270; 150 females and 120 males); 30 study participants were randomly recruited from nine selected boarding secondary schools across the state. Food and nutrient intake were assessed using a 24-hour dietary recall conducted by trained interviewers for three consecutive days in each boarding school. Mean daily nutrient intakes were calculated using the Nutri Survey 2007. Body mass index and biochemical parameters (vitamin A, E, C, B2, B6, B12, folic acid, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni and Zn) were measured according to appropriate standard procedure. The overall energy intake (EI) for males was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than EI for females (7143.5 ± 158.1 kJ/day vs 5833.2 ± 163.7kJ/day) and intake increased with increase in age. Data for absolute intakes (g/day) for total carbohydrate (316.9 ± 24.3), dietary fibre (31.8 ± 6.0), fat (25.5 ± 5.8) and protein (48.9 ± 8.1) among males were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than absolute intakes (g/day) for carbohydrate (282.8 ± 15.9), dietary fibre (16.5 ± 3.8), fat (9.4 ± 2.9) and protein (39.6 ± 12.6) for females. However, no significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed in micro nutrients intakes among males and females. Mean concentrations for vitamin A in males and females (15.74 ± 6.33µg/dl vs 15.55 ± 6.14µg/dl) and vitamin E (251.69 ± 25.35µg/dl vs 253.48 ± 25.99µg/dl) were associated (r = 0.38, p<0.01).Vitamin E status in female adolescents was significantly different (p< 0.05) with BMI. Mean concentrations of water soluble vitamins; folic acid, 19.94 ± 15.34ng/ml; vitamin C, 4.80 ± 2.28µmol/l; B12, 33.90 ± 15.85; B2, 31.71 ± 18.99, and B6, 33.06 ± 15.34µg/l among males and folic acid, 19.83 ± 15.65ng/ml; vitamin C, 5.00 ± 2.41µmol/l; B12, 36.17 ± 14.32; B2, 30.10 ± 18.44 and B6, 28.38 ± 13.67µg/l for female adolescents did not show significant difference (p > 0.05) in relation to age and BMI. Mean concentrations of mineral elements for males and females were Co: 0.81 ± 0.05 &0.08 ± 0.04, Cr: 0.17 ± 0.04&0.18 ± 0.04, Cu: 0.88 ± 0.07&0.87 ± 0.09, Fe: 1.47 ± 0.54&1.43 ± 0.50, Mn: 0.11 ± 0.05&0.11 ± 0.05, Mo: 0.36 ± 0.12&0.37 ± 0.12, Ni: 0.02 ± 0.01&0.02 ± 0.01and Zn: 2.65 ± 0.85&2.74 ± 0.84 µg/l respectively.Values for Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Mo did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) among the study participants, unlike the BMI.Mean plasma concentrations of Ni is significantly lower (p < 0.05) among lower age group female adolescents. Zn was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in lower age group female adolescents but did not show any significant difference (p > 0.05) among male adolescents.This study provides evidence of deficiencies in energy and vitamin A, E and C. There is therefore, the need to create more awareness on best nutritional practices and supplementations among the adolescents.