A Cameroonian Traditional Cake ( Komba) Prepared Using Yellow Maize Reduce Vitamin A Deficiency in Lactating Mothers

Abstract

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a widespread public health problem in developing nations affecting greatly pregnant and lactating women. To alleviate the deficiency, many strategies were set up by the Cameroonian authorities. However, the level of VAD is still very high, thus the option of supplementation of foods remains a very important option. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a food supplementation with komba, a Cameroonian traditional yellow maize cake, on vitamin A status of lactating mothers in Ngaoundere town. To achieve this, 40 lactating mothers were recruited in four health facilities of the Ngaoundere town. They were dewormed and subdivided in two groups of 20 subjects each and fed for two months. The test group received 200 g of yellow maize cake while the control group received 200 g of white maize. 24-hour dietary recall was used to assess their food intake during the study period...