ISSN 2375-1177
African Journal of Agriculture and Food Security ISSN: 2375-1177 Vol. 13 (2), pp. 001-007, February, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research paper
Fortified Maize with Cowpea and Iron: A Strategy for Improving Children's Growth and Reducing Anaemia
Theodosia Adom1, Matilda Steiner-Asiedu2*, Esther Sakyi-Dawson2 and Alex K. Anderson3
1Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Accra, Ghana. 2Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana. 3Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, Georgia.
Accepted 15 October, 2024
Abstract
Iron and iron deficiency anaemia is of concern globally, and most vulnerable are children and women. In Ghana, after six months of age when breast milk is not enough, children are given cereal-based gruels which are poor in nutrients. Addition of cowpea to maize improved nutrient quality but not enough to meet iron needs. We investigated the effect of iron-fortified maize-cowpea blend in controlling iron deficiency anaemia in a high risk population. Fifty-six children aged 6 - 18 months in two peri-urban communities were randomly assigned (i) iron-fortified food or (ii) non-iron fortified food, fed daily for six months. Haemoglobin concentration (Hb), serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin saturation, weight, length and mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) were measured at baseline and at the end of intervention. Generally, growth improved in the iron fortified group over the control group. Iron status was improved in the test group. Significant differences were observed in haemoglobin concentration (1.08±1.43 compared with -0.40±1.72 g/dL, p=0.0009), and the risk of developing anaemia was about 3 times less likely among this group compared to the non-fortified group. The children liked the diets, and preparation did not create an additional burden for mothers. Use of cowpeas and maize are within the socio-cultural context of the people, hence the right vehicle for fortification and has implications for intervention, policy and advocacy.
Key words: Iron status, anaemia, child growth, fortification, maize.