Nutrient Adequacy of Foods Eaten by Students Attending Boarding and Day Secondary Schools in Owo

Abstract

The nutrient adequacy of foods eaten by students attending boarding and day secondary schools in Owo municipal was assessed. The study was carried out among two day secondary schools and two secondary schools with boarding facilities. A total of 200 students were systematically selected from the class register. The 24-hour dietary recall procedure was used to assess food consumption and nutrients intake. The nutrient intake of the student shows that the intake of energy was 98% of RDA while that of protein was above RDA 123%. However, vitamin A, E, B6 folic Acid and vitamin C were found to be lower than RDA as intakes were 38%, 21%, 62%, 55% and 23% respectively. Also mineral intake shows that there is low consumption of calcium 43% while Iron intake exceeded RDA 127%. However, there was no significant difference in the energy intake of the day and boarding student while intake of vitamin C was higher among day students. Access to low cost healthy local foods especially fruits and vegetables in school and at home should be encouraged.