Contribution of fish in improving micronutrients content in complementary foods for children aged 6 to 23 months in Lindi rural

Abstract

Lindi region has high stunting prevalence (35.2%), and one of the stunting attributors is inadequate intake of micronutrients for children under 2 years old. Therefore, aim of this study was to assess contribution of fish in improving micronutrients contents in complementary foods for children aged 6 to 23 months old children in Lindi Rural. A cross-sectional study was done whereby, an interview was done (through structured questionnaire) to 212 caregivers with children aged 6 to 23 months at Mchinga ward. Information collected included children’s feeding practices as well as fish availability and consumption among children. Also, laboratory analysis for zinc, iron and vitamin A contents and proximate composition was done for both fish and non-fish based complementary foods. Results of present study revealed that exclusive breastfeeding was poorly practiced in the study area as 48.6% of children were introduced to complementary foods prior the age of 6 months. About 89.2% of children were given fish based complementary foods. On average fish based complementary foods have higher vitamin A concentrations (342 mcg RE/100g serving) compared to non-fish based complementary foods (4 mcg RE/100g serving), but low in iron and zinc concentrations (0.66 and 0.067 mg/100g serving respectively) than non-fish based complementary foods (0.74 and 0.074 mg/100g serving respectively). Moreover, fish based complementary foods had higher proximate composition (except for % moisture content) compared to non-fish based complementary foods. Among the fish based complementary foods, those with dagaa (Sardinella longiceps) and tasi (Siganus sutor) type of fish were observed to have higher micronutrients concentration than those with kibua (Rastrelliger kanagurta). In general, fish based complementary foods contributes significantly on both macro and micronutrients concentration. Therefore, consumption of fish based complementary foods among children should be promoted.