Nutritional quality, glycemic index and glycemic load of two similar traditional diets consumed in Northeast, Nigeria

Abstract

Glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) have been implicated in the development and progression of chronic non communicable diseases (NCDs) and WHO has recommended dietary approach in its management. This study was conducted to assess the nutritional composition of two varieties of Danwaken; fulawa and dawa which are traditional diets consumed in Bauchi and Gombe states with a view to ascertaining its GI in the management of chronic NCDs. Proximate, amino and fatty acids compositions of the Danwake varieties were analyzed using standard procedures. Eighty volunteers were recruited from Bauchi and Gombe metropolitan areas and feed with 50 g of test and reference foods (white bread) and GI was determined by trapezoid method. Danwaken fulawa had a significantly higher moisture and carbohydrate content (p<0.05) and lower protein content compared to Danwaken dawa. Total amino acids and essential amino acids in Danwaken dawa (912, 367 mg/g protein) were higher than Danwaken fulawa (854, 294 mg/g protein) respectively, with higher limiting amino acid score compared with WHO/FAO/UNU requirements except lysine. Both diets had no essential fatty acids with high GI and GL, although Danwaken fulawa had a higher GL value which was significantly different (p<0.05).