Phytochemical composition and pattern of consumption of some fruits, vegetables and beverages among students of some tertiary institutions in Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: One of the major risk factors for chronic diseases is unhealthy dietary habits, especially if adopted in early years of adulthood. Food intake pattern studies among tertiary institution students are limited.

Objective: This study evaluated the phytochemical composition and the pattern of consumption of some fruits, vegetables and beverages among students of some tertiary institutions in Kano state, Nigeria.

Methods: The food samples were screened for phytochemicals and questionnaires were administered to 420 students (225 males and 195 females) who consented to participate in the study. The questionnaire was based on personal information with emphasis on pattern of consumption of selected fruits and beverages among the students. One-way ANOVA and Chi-square analysis were used to compare phytochemical content of food samples and examine consumption frequencies of the different food categories between male and female students.

Results: Significant (p < 0.05) differences were observed in the quantities of flavonoids, phenols, saponins and alkaloids among all samples except for the tannins. Significant associations were observed between male and female students with respect to their intakes of sweet pepper (p = 0.0066), green salad (p = 0.0077) and orange (p=0.0081). However, with respect to tea (p = 0.9885), coffee (p = 0.665) and banana (p = 0.5939) intakes, no significant association was found between the two groups of students. Males were found to consume more green salad, orange, tea, coffee and sweet pepper than the females who consumed more banana.

Conclusion: Except for banana, males had a higher intake of the selected food samples than females.

Keywords: Phytochemicals, consumption pattern, fruits, vegetables, beverages