Potential role of street foods as micronutrients source among low income groups in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Although >40% of Nairobi's lower-income groups consume street foods, there is paucity of information available for urban policy makers and programmers on the potential contribution of street foods to micronutrient intake. A cross-sectional survey and a non-repetitive 24-h dietary recall were employed to determine household intakes of vitamin A, Fe and Zn, and proportions of the intakes of these nutrients from street foods on the Kangemi and Dandora estates in Nairobi, Kenya (low and middle-low income groups respectively). Results indicate that there was no significant statistical difference in the consumption pattern of street foods between the 2 sites. Absolute vitamin A, Fe and Zn intakes from street foods were lower among the low income groups than the middle-low income groups, but the variations were not significant, except for Zn. Street foods were a less important vitamin A source in Kangemi (4.4% of total intake and 2.64% of the RDA) than in Dandora (26% of total intake and 9.46% of the RDA). The proportion of those who obtained at least 50% of total vitamin A from street foods was also significantly higher in Dandora. Fe intake contributed by street foods significantly differed, with Dandora being higher (30%) than Kangemi (21%). Although not significantly different, the number of people who obtained at least 50% Fe from street foods was higher in Dandora than Kangemi. Fe intake from street foods at both sites (15 mg/AE in Kangemi and 25 mg/AE in Dandora) was sufficient to meet the RDA for Fe for adults (5-28 mg/AE). Zn intake contributed by street foods was not significantly higher in Dandora (25.2%) than Kangemi (16.7%). The proportion of those who obtained at least 50% of their Zn intake from the street foods was also insignificantly higher in Dandora (12%) than Kangemi (7%). Overall, street foods were found to be better contributors of Fe (26% of total intake) and Zn (21%) than vitamin A (12%). Apparent factors that tend to potentially influence street foods contribution to micronutrient nutrition are economic status, availability and proximity to street foods, consumption pattern and the type of street foods sold. Street food trade deserves recognition by urban policy makers in order to improve the opportunities of vendors to support their livelihood and to ensure the availability of affordable, safe and nutritious food for low income consumers.