Nutritional Assessment of Traditional Complementary Food (Tom-brown) and Maternal Practices for Feeding in Southwestern Nigeria

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 1Food science and nutrition program, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State

2 2Department of Public Health, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State

3 3Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State

4 4Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4001, South Africa

Abstract

ABSTRACT
     Malnutrition in Nigeria poses severe health risks to children, necessitating urgent evaluation of traditional complementary foods and enhancing nursing mothers' awareness to improve nutritional practices and combat this public health crisis. This study employed a mixed-method approach, conducting nutritional analyses of traditional complementary foods and surveys with 370 nursing mothers across Osun State, utilizing structured questionnaires and statistical software for data analysis to assess knowledge and practices. The analysis revealed significant variations in the nutritional content of commercially sold tom-brown foods, with moisture levels highest in Ede samples (8.62%) and protein highest in Babcock samples (11.41%). The presence of Aspergillus niger in Ede samples raised food safety concerns, emphasizing the need for improved processing methods. While knowledge levels were generally high, only 49.2% of mothers recognized the benefits of extended breastfeeding. Although 88.4% believed infants thrive on breast milk alone for six months, misconceptions about introducing water or honey were prevalent, with 46.2% opposing these practices. Although 88.4% believed infants should be fed on breast milk alone for six months, only 49.2% recognized the benefits of extended breastfeeding. Notably, 55.4% of mothers preferred traditional foods, especially tom-brown, over commercial options. The findings emphasize the critical need for culturally relevant nutritional interventions aimed at enhancing maternal understanding of complementary feeding practices, thereby contributing to improved nutritional outcomes and reduced malnutrition rates among infants.

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