Effect of consumption of sourdough pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) snack on the hemoglobin and zinc status of school-age children in Odeda Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Micronutrients are required by the body in minute quantities, and their absence can have highly negative effects. A food-based approach is needed to increase the consumption of an adequate amount of underutilized micronutrient-rich foods.

Objectives: This study assessed the effect of consuming Sourdough excluded pearl millet snacks on the nutritional status of school-age children in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Materials and Methods: One hundred primary school age children were grouped into three study groups (sourdough pearl millet extruded snacks group, pearl millet extruded snack group, and ferrous supplement group) and monitored for eight weeks as part of the study's randomized block single-blind trial design. Blood samples from the subjects were taken at the start and end of the study, and hematological factors were examined (hemoglobin, packed cell volume, serum zinc). ANCOVA was used for statistical analysis. P<0.05 was considered significant

Results: Results revealed the average age of the children was 105.9± 27.2 months with 49.0% being female and 51.0% male. 54.9% of respondents were anaemic, while 11.4% tested low in zinc. Haemoglobin and packed cell volume at the endpoint had significantly improved in the three groups (p<0.05). Only the sourdough pearl millet extruded snacks, though, made a 10% improvement in the zinc status.

Conclusion: Sourdough pearl millet extruded snacks improved the hemoglobin status of anemic children and zinc status of children with low zinc levels. This study has demonstrated that sourdough pearl millet extruded snacks is a safe option for the treatment of anaemia in children, particularly those who do not enjoy taking medications.