Pattern of dietary carbohydrate intake among urbanized adult Nigerians

Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2013 May;64(3):292-9. doi: 10.3109/09637486.2012.746290. Epub 2012 Dec 3.

Abstract

As the nutrition transition continues in Africa, it is crucial to identify population-specific dietary patterns. Healthy diets may then be promoted for prevention and alleviation of the chronic disease burden associated with nutrition. Using a semi-quantitate food frequency questionnaire, we conducted a cross-sectional study and computed the proportions of foods commonly consumed, and collected data on anthropometric characteristics. The median total energy intake per day from these carbohydrate sources was 1034 kcal (interquartile range (IOR) 621.5-1738.6 kcal). The main carbohydrate food eaten was rice (48.6%) followed by fufu (30.5%) and bread (13.1%). The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 63%, and 73% of the women in the study were either overweight or obese compared to 56% of men. Our study showed that parboiled long grain white rice is now the most commonly consumed carbohydrate by urbanized Nigerians. Other traditional carbohydrate foods are still consumed frequently and remain quite popular.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Diet Surveys
  • Diet*
  • Dietary Carbohydrates / administration & dosage*
  • Energy Intake*
  • Feeding Behavior*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nigeria / epidemiology
  • Obesity / epidemiology*
  • Oryza*
  • Overweight
  • Prevalence
  • Sex Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Urban Population
  • Urbanization*

Substances

  • Dietary Carbohydrates