Physico-chemical Characteristics of Refined Lake Victoria Nile Perch (Lates niloticus) Viscera Oil

Nile perch viscera oil was characterized in terms of its physico-chemical properties. The crude oil was refined by neutralization, deodorization and winterization to obtain low melting point (LMP) and the high melting point (HMP) fractions. The oil fractions were analyzed for omega – 3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid – EPA and docosahexaenoic – DHA), vitamin A, vitamin E, iodine value (IV), saponification value (SV), density, melting point (MP), and smoke point (SP). Crude was used as control. Data were analysed (p £ 0.05) using GenStat software. The yield of winterized oil (LMP) was 39.8 ± 0.5% of crude and 19.6 ± 0.5% of raw material weight. There were no significant differences in density and vitamin E (tocopherol) content of the three fractions, while there were significant differences in the slip MP, SP, SV, IV and vitamin A (retinol) content. There were also significant differences in EPA and DHA contents. EPA and DHA for the LMP were highest, followed by crude and HMP having lowest. High vitamins A and E as well as omega – 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω – 3 PUFA) contents and high SP make the crude and HMP fractions suitable for use in cooking. The high amount of LMP fraction has high content of ω – 3 PUFA, making it suitable for use in food, feed and nutraceutics. Keywords: Nile perch; viscera; wet rendering; refining; physico-chemical characteristic

Nutritional quality, phytochemical composition and health protective effects of an under-utilized prickly cactus fruit (Opuntia stricta Haw.) collected from Kenya

The cactus fruit belongs to the Cactaceae family and is native to the arid and semi-arid regions of the world, where the production of more succulent food plants is severely limited. Opuntia stricta Haw, fruits have recently invaded the harsh dry rangelands of the Laikipia Plateau of North-eastern Kenya. These cactus fruits contribute immensely to the nutrition and food security needs of humans living in Laikipia. Despite the health benefits of these fruits, the cactus plant faces the possibility of extinction due to adverse effects of the prickly fruit when ingested by the livestock belonging to the local communities in Laikipia. The present study, therefore, was designed to assess the chemical composition, bioactive compounds and their health promoting properties in Opuntia stricta cactus fruits. The results showed that the cactus pulp is a rich source of ascorbic acid (60 mg/100 g), minerals (622 mg/kg P, 12.8 mg/kg Ca, 38 mg/kg Fe and 91 mg/kg Na), and sugars (18.5 mg sucrose, 10.9 mg glucose and 6.9 mg fructose). The seeds contained significant amount of protein (4.13%), oil (11.5%), fibre (12.3%), βcarotene (56 µg/100 g) and total carotenoids (289 µg/100 g). The seed oil contained high levels of linoleic (70%), palmitic (12.5%) and stearic (12.3%) acids. The main fatty acids were linoleic, oleic, palmitic and stearic acids with high unsaturation level (83%). The principal amino acids in the fruits were arginine, tyrosine, glutamic acid, proline and aspartic acid. The cactus whole fruits exhibited remarkable levels of total phenols (1.6 g/100g), flavonoids (197 mg/100g), tannins (1.5 g/100g) and phytates (2.6 g/100g). The phytochemical extracts demonstrated high antioxidant activity in terms of FRAP assay (1.2-6.9 µg/mM Fe (II) reducing power) and DPPH assay (73-86%). The anti-diabetic effect of the extracts showed strong inhibition (> 50%) of α-glucosidase as compared to the α- amylase inhibition. Thus, consumption of O. stricta fruits could meet the key nutritional requirements and help to address the double burden of food insecurity and chronic diseases among communities living in the drylands of Kenya. The results of this study could help inform the public on the nutritional and health benefits of the Opuntia cactus fruit and address issues raised by the media on the possible eradication of cactus plants in Laikipia and other drylands regions of Kenya.Key words: Opuntia stricta, bioactive compounds, antioxidants, diabetes

Mothers’ and Households’ Food Security Status in Kangai and Mutithi Locations of Mwea West Sub County, Kenya

The purpose of this study was to investigate household’s food security status.  The study was carried out in dry harvesting and wet planting seasons in the two locations of Mwea West Sub County, Kenya, namely, Kangai and Mutithi.  The study design was comparative cross sectional survey while the data instrument was a structured researcher administered household questionnaire. Sampling techniques  included probability proportionate to population, The data were analyzed by the use of Health Canada’s, Household Food Security Survey Model (HFSSM), On the whole, the findings were that 39% of the households were food secure, 21 % were moderately insecure, while 40 % were severely food insecure. The general conclusion was that in as much as the households in the two locations were significantly different in terms of households’ and mothers’ food security status, they both experienced chronic food insecurity which did not change with the season. The study recommends food intervention for the 40 % of households that are severely food insecure. Keywords: Food Security Status, Households’ Food Security, Mothers’ Food Security, Health Canada

Dietary Micronutrient Intake amongst Mothers in Kangai and Mutithi locations of Mwea West Sub County, Kenya

The purpose of this study was to determine the Dietary Micronutrient Intake amongst Mothers in Kangai and Mutithi locations of Mwea West Sub County, Kenya. The study design was cross sectional survey while data collecting instruments included a structured questionnaire and a meal preparation observation guide.  Data were collected on the dietary intake of Vitamin A, iron, and zinc through the four weeks food frequency recall technique, and through observation of Meal preparation in the households.  A sample of 399 mothers participated in the structure questionnaire while a sub sample of 63 mothers participated in the meals preparation.  The data were processed by the use of the SPSS software. Food Consumption Score tool were used to compute acceptable, borderline and poor categories of dietary intake of micronutrients while National Nutrient Data base for Standard Reference, Release 26 Software v.1.4, to compute nutrient content in foods. The t-tests were used to test hypotheses. It was established that food consumption behaviors and the dietary intake of micronutrients were significantly different in the two locations (p < 0.05). The mothers did not meet the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for Vitamin A, iron and zinc, while Food Consumption Score ( FCS ) tool categorized  33% of the mothers in Kangai and 51% in Mutithi under poor dietary micronutrient intake.  The study concluded that mothers in the two studied locations experienced micronutrient deficiency. Further research is recommended using serum biochemical analysis of Vitamin A, iron and zinc in order to get the actual status of these micronutrients in the community. Key Words: Malnutrition, Micronutrient Status, Food Security Status, dietary intake, Povert

Relationship between Mothers’ Socio Demographic Characteristics and Food Security Status in Kangai and Mutithi Locations of Mwea West Sub County, Kenya

The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between mothers’ socio demographic characteristics and food security status in Kangai and Mutithi Locations of Mwea West Sub County, Kenya. The design was cross sectional survey while the data instrument was a structured researcher administered household questionnaire. Sampling techniques  included probability proportionate to population, The Socio Demographic data were analyzed by the use of proportions and t-tests  while food security status data were analyzed by the use of Health Canada’s, Household Food Security Survey Model (Health Canada, 2012). Logistical regression model was used to determine the relationship between Socio Demographics and Food Security Status.   It was found out that the socio demographics of the mothers in the two locations were significantly different. The house hold food security status for the Sub County was that 39% of households were food secure, 21% were moderately food insecure while 40% were severely food insecure. Gender of the household head, marital status, religion, age, occupation, education, income sources, expenditure on food and land size were the most pronounced proxy indicators for food security status in the Sub County and they underscore the poverty levels in the area. Further research is suggested on possible interventions for food insecurity in the sub county. Keywords: Food Security Status, Socio Demographic Characteristics, Socio Economic Characteristics, Povert

Relationship between Socio Demographic Status and Risk Factors for Micronutrient Utilization among Mothers in Mwea West Sub County, Kenya

The purpose of the study was to determine the Risk Factors for Micronutrient Utilization among the Mothers in the Sub County and in particular water sources and waste disposal. The sampling frame included all the mothers with at least one child aged 2 to 5 years. The survey design was employed and was cross sectional in nature. The sample size was 401. It was established that canal water was used by majority of the Households. Other sources included piped water, river borehole and roof catchment. The household water source was significantly correlated to Occupation, House construction type, Income level and Size of land owned by the households. These variables contributed up to 60.1% of the variations in household water sourcing in the Sub County.  Majority of the respondents, disposed of their waste through burning the refuse, compost pit, or fed it to livestock. The waste disposal methods were not significantly correlated to household socio-demographics. Key Words: Malnutrition, Micronutrient Status, Micronutrient utilization, Food Security, Micronutrient risk factor

E. coli and Salmonella Contamination of Tomato Marketed and Consumed in Nairobi Metropolis

Tomato, a worldwide consumed commodity for its nutritive values can harbour Salmonella and E.coli. Tomato can contribute to diarrheal illnesses; and associated burden in households. Seasonal bacterial analyses to detect enterobacteria were conducted from January to June 2017 in Nairobi. The study shows that, the vegetable during the study period is 94% contaminated with E. coli and 28% with Salmonella. February had the highest contamination during the dry season (2.37 log10cfu.ml-1 >2; p≤ 0.05) and May (2.8 log10cfu.ml-1 >2; p≤ 0.05) the highest in wet season. Thus, seasons have influence on microbial contamination in tomato. Bacteria multiplication slows in dry period and increases in wet season. Increase of bacteria from March (end of dry season or beginning of rains) to high presence in May (end of rains) might come with more health concerns if attention is not paid to ready-to-eat vegetables. Consumers purchasing from open air markets seem more at risk of bacterial infection (Kangemi 1.84±0.159; Githurai 2.02±0.1815; Wakulima 1.97±0.24 of E. coli contamination) compared to those who use supermarkets (Nakumatt W. 1.54±0.134; Uchumi Sarit C. 1.27±0.105). Although most tomatoes were washed and cleaned, bacteria levels were still a threat to health. Surfactants from pesticides might contribute to tomatoes infection as they are able to wound skins of crops and open ways to bacterial contamination. With sudden bacterial increase in wet seasons (Kangemi 2.98±0.225kl; Githurai 2.75±0.157efghi; Wakulima 2.69±0.067ghijk; Nakumatt 1.78±0.092bcd; Uchumi 1.54±0.215cde), consumers might experience more symptoms of enteric bacteria. Special attention should be paid in wet times as best quality of tomato at sight is not necessarily safe for direct consumption without further processing. These findings might help in understanding why consumers of salad might be exposed to symptoms of enteric bacteria in wet times. Food handlers, health workers, consumers and policy designers should be informed of this risk. Keywords: E. coli, Salmonella spp, bacteria, season, contaminatio

MICROBIOLOGICAL AND ACIDITY CHANGES DURING THE TRADITIONAL PRODUCTION OF KIRARIO: AN INDIGENOUS KENYAN FERMENTED PORRIDGE PRODUCED FROM GREEN MAIZE AND MILLET

ABSTRACT Using a previously pre-tested structured questionnaire, the traditional processing method for kirario (a traditional fermented porridge of the Merus in Kenya) was studied and documented. The biochemical and microbial profile changes during fermentation of kirario, both by the traditional method and in the laboratory were monitored for 48 hours. Samples of kirario from ten localities in the study region were analyzed. Samples of the final products from the traditional method were analyzed for total viable counts (TVC), lactic acid bacteria (LAB), lactococci, yeasts and moulds and coliforms, while the laboratory samples were taken at six (6)-hour intervals and analyzed for TVC, LAB, lactococci, and yeasts and moulds for 48 hours. The traditional product showed average TVC, LAB, lactococci, yeasts and moulds of 9.30, 9.63, 8.62, and 4.83 log 10 cfu/ml, respectively. Coliform counts were detected in only two of the samples at <1 log 10 cfu/ml. Analysis of the laboratory samples showed similar results. This showed that the production of kirario was reproducible and could be simulated in an industrial set-up for commercialization. In both the laboratory and traditional samples, the microbial counts were monitored at 6 hourly intervals for 48 hours. The initial pH of 6.4 dropped to 3.3 at the end of the fermentation, while the total titratable acidity increased to 3.15% from an initial value of 1.04%. The TVC, LAB, lactococci, yeasts and molds increased from initial counts of 8.20, 8.18, 7.20 and 5.86 log 10 cfu/ml to 9.64, 9.55, 5.38 and 0.70 log 10 cfu/ml, respectively at the end of the 48-hour fermentation. The coliform counts were low or not detected at all in majority of the samples. These results indicated high degree of hygiene in traditional processing of kirario as indicated by the very low or undetectable coliforms. This was also attributed to the effect of inhibition of growth of coliforms during fermentation. The results were also substantiated by unusually high levels of acid in both the traditional and laboratory products, corresponding to pH 3.0 to 3.5, which indicated high activity of the lactic acid bacteria in kirario

Dietary patterns and nutritional status of pre-school children in Nairobi

Objective: To determine the dietary patterns and nutritional status of pre-school children in Nairobi, Kenya.Design: A cross-sectional study.Setting: Pre-schools in Nairobi, Kenya.Subjects: Three hundred and four pre-school children (149 males and 155 females) aged three to five years were assessed.Results: About 96% of the children had been breastfed 46.7% of them for 12-24 months (46.7%), and the mean breastfeeding duration was 20.17 months. The most commonly consumed foods on a daily basis were fruits, vegetables bread, ugali, porridge and milk. The level of malnutrition was low with underweight at 16% stunting 4.3% and wasting 1.0%. The factors that positively correlated with child nutritional status were the age of the mother and father.Conclusions: The children were consuming a variety of foods both at home and in school, and this together with the high literacy levels the parents/guardians could have contributed towards the good nutritional status. East African Medical Journal Vol 82(10) 2005: 521-52

Dietary patterns and dental caries in nursery school children in Nairobi, Kenya

(East African Medical Journal, 2001: 78 (12): 673-677