Nutritional status and adequacy of selected micronutrients of civil servants in Ogun state, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Inadequate micronutrient intake can have a negative impact on physical and mental health causing several health consequences. People who are overweight or obese also fails to meet the majority of micronutrient recommendations

Objective: This study assessed the nutritional status and adequacy of selected micronutrients of civil servants in Ogun State, Nigeria.

Methods: The study design was cross-sectional in design. The sample consisted of 250 civil servants. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to determine the socio-demographic characteristics, family medical history and nutrition knowledge of the respondents. Nutrient intakes were estimated from 24-hour dietary recall and analyzed using Nutri-Survey software. Anthropometric measurements were carried out to determine nutritional status. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS version 20. Statistical significance was established at p≤0.05.

Results: Prevalence of overweight and obesity was 39.2% and 11.6% respectively. One-third (32.8%) of the population were at risk of cardiovascular diseases. Nutrient adequacy of micronutrients assessed were low except phosphorus (89.6%), zinc (86.8%), iron (68.8%) and sodium (50.0%) which were in excess. Macronutrients were above the recommended dietary allowances. A significance association (p<0.05) was observed between some micronutrient adequacy ratio (folic acid, Vitamin A and Vitamin E) and nutritional status assessed by Body Mass Index of the respondents.

Conclusion: Micronutrient intake was inadequate and prevalence of overweight and obesity were higher than reported in previous studies. There is a need for nutrition education that emphasizes on the consumption of micronutrient dense foods.