Food consumption patterns and dietary practices in relation to iron and salt intakes in Kwale District: The case of Lunga-Lunga Location, Kenya

Abstract

A cross-sectional and descriptive study was carried out in Lunga-Lunga location in Kwale District in March 2004 for a period 'of three weeks to determine the food consumption patterns and the dietary practices in relation to salt and iron intakes. The study comprised 30 households and involved the measuring of the food intakes of the study population for three days to establish their dietary patterns. Data on demography was collected by use of a structured questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were taken for all household members who were present during meal times. F.ocus group discussions were conducted with mothers who did not participate in the study as well as women above childbearing age. In-depth interviews were also conducted as well as observations to obtain information on the dietary patterns and practices in the study area. The dietary patterns indicate that the foods consumed by the households contained sufficient amounts of iron but most of it was non-haem iron and only 4.85% of the iron consumed was bioavailable for utilisation by the body. As a result, 83.9% of the respondents did not meet their iron nutrient adequacy levels. The foods consumed contained iron inhibitors such as phytates with a mean phytate content of 15.44 ± 12.45 mg. Vitamin C that is an enhancer for the absorption of iron was also deficient in 60% of the households. The diets were not varied and were insufficient in calories. Protein adequacy was met by 95.5% of the households but since the diets were deficient in supplying the energy requirements the proteins may be converted to calories to meet the energy needs of the individuals. Salt was consumed daily by all the households and the mean daily intake was 4.36 ± 2.54 gms for children aged one to eleven years, to 10.29 ± 4.41 gms for adults. The results also showed that

food avoidance taboos that affect food consumption mostly focus on expectant mothers. These taboos prohibit them from eating mostly fish and eggs that are good sources of iron during pregnancy. The findings indicate that 17.4%of the under fives were wasted, when compared to the standard. The cases of underweight children were 21.7% while those who suffered from chronic malnutrition (stunting) were 30.4%. Among the 6-11 year olds, 17.4% were wasted, 21.7%und~eight and 29.4% stunted. The BMI indicates that 46.5% of the adults were underweight. The findings of the study indicate that the anaemia experienced in Kwale District may not be due to inadequate dietary iron, but other factors such as bioavailability of the iron consumed, the high level of phytates in the diet. Parasitic infestations e.g. malaria, hookworms and filiriasis which are common in the area could also be contributing factors.