Estimate of Likely Micronutrient Deficits across Life Stages in Five Sub-Saharan African Countries
Kaleab Baye *
Center for Food Science and Nutrition, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Tilahun Bekele
Center for Food Science and Nutrition, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Objectives: To identify likely micronutrient deficits in the available national food supply per capita for Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Malawi and Sierra Leone.
Methods: Micronutrient densities in the daily available food supply per capita were calculated from the micronutrient contents of 95 food commodities using the International Minilist Nutrient database. The micronutrient contribution of food groups was calculated. Densities were compared with reference nutrient density goals adequate to meet basal or normative estimated needs for at least 95% of individuals over two years of age.
Results: Daily food supplies were low in animal products, fruits and vegetables. Cereals, legumes or starchy roots and tubers were the main source of iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin B6, niacin, riboflavin and thiamin. Of the eight micronutrients, Madagascar had likely deficits for seven; Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone and Malawi for six, and Ethiopia for four. The most frequent deficits were for calcium, iron, zinc, riboflavin and vitamin B12. Deficits exceeding 50% of the nutrient density goals were likely for iron, calcium and vitamin B12 in children and adolescents of 7, 12, and 15 years of age (both sex), and in females 17 and 25 years of age. The food supply is likely inadequate for the provision of iron, zinc and calcium for pregnant and lactating women.
Conclusions: Inadequate dietary intakes of multiple micronutrients are likely in these five Sub-Saharan African countries. Although the first one thousand days are a critical period for micronutrient interventions, a more comprehensive Lifecycle approach is needed.