Assessment of Food Consumption and Micronutrient Intake Among Elderly Women Residing at Gwammaja and Kofar Mazugal Communities of Dala L.g.a, Kano State.

ABSTRACT
The elderly population, particularly women aged 55 and above in this study, are at heightened risk of nutritional deficiencies due to physiological, social, and economic challenges. This study assessed food consumption patterns and micronutrient intake among 320 elderly women residing in Gwammaja and Kofar Mazugal communities of Dala LGA, Kano State. A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed using semi-structured questionnaires and a multi-stage sampling technique. Results indicated a high prevalence of undernutrition (54.7%), with most participants consuming only two meals per day and demonstrating low intake of protein-rich foods, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. Awareness of certain micronutrients like iron (73.4%) and iodine (80.6%) was relatively high, yet knowledge of zinc (25.3%) and folic acid (25.9%) was notably poor. Socioeconomic constraints, including the high cost of healthy food (81.9%) and lack of nutritional knowledge (73.4%), were major barriers to a balanced diet. Despite a general awareness of nutrition’s importance, dietary practices often did not align with health recommendations. The study concludes that elderly women in these communities face significant risks of micronutrient deficiencies, warranting urgent interventions including nutrition education, food fortification, and improved access to affordable, nutritious foods.