Anthropometry and nutrient intake of Nigerian school children from different ecological zones

Cross‐sectional height, weight and mid‐arm circumference were evaluated in 2,500 school children aged 6–11 years in five ecological zones of Nigeria. Nutrient intake was assessed by 24‐hour dietary recall on all subjects and weighing actual food intake of 150 children. Mean weights and heights of school children from all ecological zones were above the 3rd percentile of the Boston standard. Boys from the coastal swamp and girls from the derived savannah had growth curves closest to the 50th percentile, while girls from the scrubland were most retarded in growth. The proximity of the mean weight of six‐year old children in all ecological zones to the third percentile coupled with low height for age in the same group seemed to justify the assumption that the population was chronically malnourished in the past. The decrease in this growth deficit with increasing age is an indication of a significant potential for improved growth. Mean mid‐arm circumference in the Savannah grassland and scrubland was lower than Harvard standards. A correlation was observed between the percentage of weight for age and mid‐arm circumference for age. Malnutrition in this population was 9.6%‐13.6% depending on the criteria used. Low mean intake of protein (62.2%) and iron (66.7%) among the eleven‐year old school children may have an implication for the onset of puberty in such children. The need for the supplementation of school mid‐day meals and the development of local standards of anthropometry are emphasised.

Key words:

• anthropometry
• Nigerian school children
• nutritional status
• dietary intake
• malnutrition