Dietary Intake And Micro Nutrient (Iron, Iodine And Zinc) Consumption Pattern Of In-School Female Adolescent In Umuahia South:-Nwovu Theresa C

ABSTRACT Lto X Micronutrient intake plays a critical role in the growth, development, and overall health of adolescents, particularly females who experience increased nutritional demands during puberty. Inadequate intake of essential micronutrients such as iron, iodine, and zinc poses a significant health risk and may lead to long-term consequences including impaired cognitive development, weakened immunity, and poor reproductive outcomes. This study assessed the micronutrient consumption habits ofin-school female adolescents in Umuahia South Local Government Area, Abia State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, involving 200 female students purposively selected from JSS3 and SSI classes across four randomly selected secondary schools in the area. A structured, validated questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, dietary patterns, nutritional knowledge, and frequency of micronutrient-rich food consumption. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were employed for data analysis using SPSS version 22. Findings revealed that while the majority of the students (72.5%) consumed three meals per day, the intake of iron, iodine, and zinc-rich foods was predominantly occasional or rare. For example, 69% consumed beef and pork sometimes, and only 23% always consumed iron-rich foods. Although iodized salt was commonly consumed, intake of other iodine-rich foods such as milk and seafood was moderate. Zinc-rich foods such as cashew and oats were rarely consumed by most participants. Additionally, dietary diversity scores indicated insufficient consumption offruits and vegetables among the respondents. The study concludes that the micronutrient consumption habits of in-school female adolescents in Umuahia South are suboptimal, with a high reliance on starchy staples and insufficient intake of animal-based and nutrient-dense foods. There is a need for targeted nutiition education, school-based interventions, and policy strategies to improve dietary diversity and promote healthy eating behaviors among adolescent girls.