J. C. Okafor ¹, R. A. Oloyo ¹, A. A. Addo ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Hotel & Catering Management, Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal Polytechnic, P.M.B. 50 Ilaro, Ogun State, NG

Abstract

There is ample evidence in support of expectant mother's need to have adequate nutrition before and during pregnancy for the prevention of risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth. More than ever, there is a growing campaign by the state government and international agencies to eradicate malnutrition among women of childbearing age in rural communities of Nigeria. Poor feeding habits characteristic of the women, lack of nutrition education coupled with their participation in a variety of trades or activities that are physical in nature although aimed at uplifting the socioeconomic status of their families make them more vulnerable. Evolution of an effective programme for the control and prevention of malnutrition will necessitate the knowledge of the nutritional status of this vulnerable group.

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J. C. Okafor ¹, R. A. Oloyo ², A. A. Addo ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Hotel & Catering Management, Federal Polytechnic, P.M.B. 50 llaro, Ogun State, NG
2 Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal Polytechnic, P.M.B. 50 llaro, Ogun State, NG
3 Department of Home Science and Management, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, NG

Abstract

Iron deficiency, a prevailing nutritional disorder, particularly among women of childbearing age in developing countries including Nigeria has been of concern to international agencies and government in the control of iron deficiency anaemia. If the deficiency is uncorrected it leads to greater risk associated with pregnancy and childbirth. Pregnant women are vulnerable because physiological requirement for pregnancy often lead to increased iron requirement to compensate for normal iron losses and to meet the women's increased erythrocyte volume and the needs connected with foetal and placental growth.

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