Influence of Complementary Food Composition on Prevalence of Anemia among Children Aged 6-24 Months in West Cameroon

Abstract

Iron is an essential micronutrient for human health and inadequate intake may result in iron deficiency (ID) or iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). In western region of Cameroon, 39 % of children under 59 months suffering from IDA. To reduce the high prevalence of IDA, the evaluation of nutritional potential of complementary food is very necessary to improve the nutritional status of the young children. The objective of this study is to determine the influence of complementary food composition on prevalence of anemia among young children living in West Cameroon. A food interview survey was carried out among 50 families (25 families with children having Hb ≥ 11 g/dL and 25 families having children with Hb ≤ 11 g/d/L). Ten complementary foods frequently consumed by children were recruited near the families. The amount of food nutrient intake per day was also determined. The data were analyzed using ANOVA (p ≤ 0.05) and the principal component analysis (PCA). The PCA shows that corn meal with vegetables was a dish with high level in iron, fats, dietary fiber and calcium. The complementary food based on corn meal with okra and those based on Irish potatoes with beans and fishes were higher in protein, ash, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and zinc. The other dishes based on irish potatoes, rice, peanuts and corn meal porridge had high levels of carbohydrates. There was no significant difference between the daily iron, protein, calcium, and potassium intakes between anemic and non anemic children. However, food intake of anemic children was low compared with non-anemic children. The daily iron intake of the children ranged between 23.73 % and 42.27 % of their iron requirement daily. Their daily iron was generally poor. Though, most of their foods were of plant source whose nutrients are poorly bioavailable. Therefore, application of improved food processing and storage techniques, good dietary diversification and fortification with intensified nutrition education would reduce iron deficiency anemia in the area.