Interrelationship in nutrient intake of Nigerian mothers and their children: nutritional and health implications

Abstract

This study examined the interrelationships in the nutrient intake of mothers and their children. One hundred and eight mother-child pairs participated in the study. The children were aged 36-59 months (mean age 44 months) while the mean age of the mother was 31.0 years. The subjects were drawn from rural locations, were largely illiterate, and farming and petty trading were main occupations. Intakes of energy, protein, total fat, and iron were assessed from 3 consecutive 24 hour recalls given by the mothers. There were significant positive correlations between energy, total fat, and iron intakes of mothers and their children. There was no significant correlation in protein intakes of mothers and children. The results also indicate that total fat and protein make little contribution to the total energy intake of the subjects. Mother's age was significantly correlated with child's protein intake (r = 0.21, P < 0.01) but not with child's energy, total fat, or iron intakes. Although mother's energy intake was significantly correlated with child's energy intake (r = 0.39, P < 0.001) this was not the case with the intakes of the other three nutrients. The results indicate aggregation of nutrient intakes in mothers and their children which has important nutritional and health implications.