Diet Diversity in Complementary Feeding and Nutritional Status of Children Aged 0 to 24 Months in Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Diversification in complementary feeding of children is important in meeting the need for essential nutrients. This study investigated diet diversification in complementary feeding of children between the ages of 0 and 24 months. The cross-sectional study was carried out in Osun State of Nigeria and 450 mothers were interviewed. Results revealed that diet was based on cereals, roots, and tubers with little animal products. The consumption of protein-rich foods, both of plant and animal origin, was particularly low. None of these foods recorded 50% of total consumption, except for milk with 50.4%. Fewer than 30% of the children population consumed legumes. Foods such as meat, eggs, and fish recorded below 50% consumption as well. Cheese was not consumed at all in the rural communities. Only 9.7% consumed vegetables and 12.9% consumed fruits. Most of the children experienced stunting (58.2%), followed by wasting (7.8%), and underweight (23.8%). Diet diversity was also shown to be associated with socioeconomic status of households. Diet diversity can be recommended for achieving diet adequacy in complementary feeding of young children.