ASSESSMENT OF DIETARY CONSUMPTION OF HIGH-RICH FOLATE FOODS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN AND LACTATING MOTHERS (A CASE STUDY OF BIRSHI WARD BAUCHI, BAUCHI STATE)
Abstract
This study assesses the dietary consumption of folate-rich foods among pregnant women and lactating mothers in Birshi Ward, Bauchi State. Folate is a vital micronutrient required for maternal and child health, particularly in preventing neural tube defects and supporting lactation. The research investigates the extent to which women in the community consume folate-rich foods such as legumes, leafy vegetables, fruits, and fortified cereals. Using dietary surveys, food frequency questionnaires, and anthropometric measurements, findings reveal that while some women incorporate folate-rich foods into their diets, many face challenges including low nutritional awareness, economic constraints, and limited access to diverse food sources. The study concludes that inadequate folate intake among pregnant and lactating mothers poses significant health risks, and emphasizes the need for nutrition education, community sensitization, and policy interventions to improve maternal dietary practices and reduce folate deficiency-related complications.
Full-Text Access Notice
In accordance with the NERD Policy on promoting peer-reviewed publication, public access to the full text of a project, thesis or dissertation is restricted for three years, allowing the author and supervisors sufficient time to pursue peer-reviewed publication.
During this period, researchers with legitimate academic or research purposes may request authorisation directly from the author to enable NERD to release the indexed full texts of the work using the form below.