ABSTRACT

 The nutritional knowledge and practice of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike undergraduate students. The study adopted a cross sectional study involving a random selection of undergraduates in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. The study revealed that the respondents were of different age range. Majority (48.6%) ofthe respondents were 20-40 years of age while the minority (7%) were of 50 years and above. More than half (54.5%) of the respondents were Christians while the few (23.9%) of them were Islam. Most. (60.8%) of the students were single while few (10.2%) were married. Most (72.5%) of the respondents had 1-3 household size while the least (7.2%) had 10 and above household size. The respondents reported that the basic function of carbohydrates in the body include; stores of energy, provide fiber and lipid (metabolism. Majority (97%) said that carbohydrates stores energy in the body while minority (11.8% opined that it aids lipid metabolism. They occur in many different forms, like sugars and dietary fiber, and in different foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables. More than half (54.1%) ofthe respondents opined that the consumption of iron and B12 helps to prevent anemia. The respondents believed that calcium and vitamin E is good for bone development. Most (56.1%) ofthe respondents agreed that fruits should be taken before meal while few (15.3%) ofthem said it can be taken any time ofthe day. Majority ofthe respondents said that they gain their nutrition information from radio while few said from seminars. Majority (76.5%) of the respondents said that they take dietary supplements while few (23.5%) ofthem does not take. The majority (39.2%) of the respondents opined that they take more of mineral dietary supplements while few (8.2%) said that they take protein supplements. Most (42%) ofthe respondents takes dietary supplements daily while minority (23.5%) ofthem takes monthly. This study recommends increased awareness through other sources and foster work place policies as this will help improve the knowledge attitude and practice of nutrient supplementation among the respondents ofreproductive age.