Fish have become an irreplaceable food source for animal protein particularly among the socioeconomic disadvantaged and rural households in Nigeria. This study determined the nutrient profiles of fish species from Owan River and estimated their nutrients’ potential contribution to the recommended nutrient intakes (RNIs) for pregnant and lactating women (PLW), adults and children in rural communities along the River. Result of the nutrient composition of Clarias gariepinus and Tilapia zillii showed moisture content of 68.00% and 68.75%; protein value of 16.52% and 17.62%; lipid value of 7.18% and 1.75%; and ash content of 3.56% and 4.34% respectively. Mineral contents - calcium (2.25 to 4.67 mg/100 g), iron (4.01 to 8.33 mg/100 g) and zinc (0.87 to 2.52 mg/100 g). Potential contribution to RNIs showed both fish species meet ≥ 25% of the RNI for iron and zinc in PLW, adults and children; and did not meet the ≥ 25% of the RNI for calcium in PLW, adults and children. This indicates that the fishes are significant sources of iron and zinc, but an inadequate source of calcium. There is need for increased dietary diversity among rural community households, particularly with the inclusion of rich sources of calcium. This study has provided information to guide in diet formulation and curtailing the prevalence of nutritional deficiencies among rural households in Nigeria.
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Egun et al. (2022) studied this question.
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