ABSTRACT
In Côte d'Ivoire, Tambruya, a traditional practice of supporting nursing mothers among the Ebrié ethnic groups, illustrates the persistence of local knowledge that differs from biomedical recommendations. In Yopougon, a cosmopolitan district of Abidjan, there are multiple representations of postnatal nutrition, where ancestral traditions and modern medicine intersect. The objective of this research is to understand the mechanisms by which ethnicity structures nursing mothers’ conceptions of ‘’eating well’’ and dietary practices. The qualitative research was conducted in four villages with 40 nursing mothers (20 Ebrié and 20 non-Ebrié) with children under six months of age. This research uses two data collection techniques, namely 20 semi-structured interviews and four focus groups conducted in November 2010. The data were subjected to a comparative thematic content analysis focusing on conceptions of “eating well” and dietary practices. The results of the research reveal that Ebrié wet nurses prioritize satiety, body accumulation, and therapeutic benefits, with a specialized diet (attiéké, foutou), intensified feeding rhythms (every 30-45 minutes), and the use of traditional appetite stimulants. On the other hand, wet nurses from other ethnic groups emphasize balance, diversification, and moderation, gradually incorporating biomedical recommendations. On the other hand, nursing mothers from other ethnic groups value balance, diversification, and moderation, gradually integrating biomedical recommendations. The results highlight that convergences nevertheless emerge around seasonal adaptations and temporary prescriptions, revealing a shared habitus that transcends the different ethnic groups. This research calls for the development of ways of dialogue between biomedical knowledge and traditional knowledge, with a view to co-constructing health interventions.

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Background: Poor nutritional status is a global prevailing crisis due to associated short term and long-term negative impact on individual health, social-economic development and reduced per capita productivity potential. In Kenya, childhood under-nutrition is concentrated in the Arid and semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), where it is associated with food insecurity, environmental conditions and poor child care practices. Objective: The objective of this randomized efficacy trial was to determine the effects of honey bee brood and pearl millet based supplement (PeMH+), on weight, height, MUAC, hemoglobin and wasting, as compared to Corn Soy Blend (CSB+). Methods: A total of 38 children (12-36 months) were randomized to two arms of study (with 19 children in each group) for 12 weeks, in Meru County, Kenya. Group A was fed on PeMH+ (Novel Supplement), and Group B was fed on Corn Soy Blend (CSB+) which is the conventional treatment for moderate wasting. Changes in Weight, Height, and Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC), weight for height Z-score (WHZ), Height for Age (WFH) Z-score were monitored two weekly while Hemoglobin was monitored at baseline and at the end of study so as to determine their changes and recovery rates for wasting, stunting. Pearson Chi-Square tests were employed to evaluate statistical significance of the effects of PeMH+ on weight, Height, MUAC, Weight Height Z-Score (WHZ), Height for Age Z-Score (HFA), and hemoglobin as compared to the Control (CSB+ group). Results: Cumulatively, there was an average weight, Height, and MUAC and hemoglobin change of 0.8kg, 2.1 cm, 1.1 cm and 1.9g/dl respectively for PeMH+ group A). This marked a whooping majority recovery rate (>-1 Z-score) of 94.6% from moderate wasting. No statistical difference was identified between pattern of recovery and change in weight, MUAC, WHZ between the two groups except for HFA Z-score where children were shown to gain height faster in the group A.

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Background: Evidence linking prenatal nutrition to early brain development has largely emphasized single nutrients, overlooking the synergistic nature of whole diets. Objective: To map maternal dietary patterns and diet quality proxies during pregnancy, including a-priori indices, data-driven patterns, and pattern plus nutrient interventions, and their associations with neonatal to early-childhood neurodevelopment, while considering timing and outcome domains. Methods: A scoping review guided by the Population-Concept-Context framework and the Preferred Reporting Items for Scoping Reviews searched three databases for peer-reviewed English studies (2018-2025). Two reviewers screened records, charted data with a piloted template, and constructed an evidence map across pattern family, timing (preconception; first, second, third trimester; cumulative), outcome class (neurophysiology, neuroimaging, clinical neurobehavioral, cognition and language, sleep), and age band. Results: Ten studies met criteria, mostly prospective cohorts with two analyses from a randomized controlled trial. Healthier patterns (Mediterranean, Healthy Eating Index, prudent) were associated with higher infant Ages and Stages Questionnaire and Bayley scores and with more mature neonatal white matter on magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging; Mediterranean counseling improved twenty-four-month Bayley scores. Western or highly processed profiles and greater ultra-processed intake related to poorer child neuropsychological performance. Signals were strongest when exposure was captured early and sustained. Evidence for electroencephalography and sleep was limited, and studies were concentrated in high-income settings. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate a correlation between a pattern-level prenatal diet and early neurodevelopment, thereby supporting the plant-forward, minimally processed approach as a guiding principle within antenatal care. Future research should harmonise

ABSTRACT
Micronutrient deficiencies, often termed Hidden Hunger, affect approximately 2 billion people globally, causing significant health issues without visible symptoms. Zinc deficiency is a notable concern particularly in children as it plays a crucial role in growth, immune function, and various physiological processes. This study aimed at developing a porridge enriched with pumpkin seeds to enhance zinc intake in children aged 7-9 years. Raw materials (maize and pumpkins) were acquired from local markets, processed into flours, and four different composite flours with varying proportions of maize, pumpkin flesh, and pumpkin seeds were formulated; aimed at providing 50%, 54%, 58%, and 64% of the RDA for zinc for the children. Sensory evaluation was conducted using a 5-point hedonic scale to assess colour, taste, texture, appearance, odour, and overall acceptability. The most acceptable formulation, plain maize flour and pumpkin seed flour were further analysed for proximate analysis and zinc content. Sensory evaluation revealed significant differences in appearance, colour, and texture among the formulations, with formulation I (70% maize, 20% pumpkin flesh, 10% pumpkin seeds) receiving the highest overall acceptability. Proximate analysis of the pumpkin seed flour showed high protein (38.66g) and energy content (492.74 KCal/100g) with a zinc content of 8.00 mg per 100 grams, indicating its potential to significantly contribute to dietary zinc intake. Subsequently, the composite flour exhibited significantly higher levels of protein, fat, fibre, ash, and zinc compared to plain maize flour(p<0.05). The study successfully developed a zinc-enriched porridge with good sensory attributes and improved nutritional content. The findings suggest that incorporating pumpkin seeds into porridge can enhance zinc intake and potentially address zinc deficiency in children. Further research is recommended to explore its acceptability in diverse populations.

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This study examines the interactions between medical discourse on diet and physical activity and the actual practices of senior citizens in Côte d'Ivoire, revealing the adjustments, negotiations and resistance that result. The aim is to analyse how these institutional prescriptions relate to the everyday experiences of older people in a context of nutritional change and redefined public health frameworks. Methodologically, a triangulated qualitative approach involves semi-directive interviews with senior citizens from a variety of backgrounds, ethnographic observations in catering and physical activity areas, and an analysis of institutional discourse on ageing and health. The results show that medical recommendations are adopted in different ways: some are adapted to local constraints, while others are circumvented because of socio-economic, cultural and symbolic factors. The discussion highlights the ways in which older people reinterpret health standards. In conclusion, it appears necessary to adopt a contextualised approach to rethink support for the elderly in Côte d'Ivoire.

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Aim/Objective: This study determine the common practice adopted by public food vendors and the environmental condition of the vending sites in yenagoa LGA. Methods: A descriptive research design was adopted for this study sample size to select all 330 participants randomly with a well-structured questionnaire and a checklist in line with study objectives to obtain data from respondents. Results: Concerning the distribution of participants age group it was observed that 38% of the participants were within the age group of 28-32years which possessed the highest proportion from the study population, 27% were within the age group of 38years and above, 19% were within the age group of 33-37years, while the least proportion 16% of the participants were within the age group of 23-27years. The sex distribution indicates that majority (87%) of the participants were female while (13%) were male. The distribution of participants ethnicity indicates that Majority (42%) of the participants were Yoruba, followed by (38%) of the participants indicates Igbo, 6% were Ijaw, 5% were Ogbia, 8% of the participants were others, while (1%) possessing lowest proportion from the study population represent Hausa. The distribution of participants religion indicates that majority (98%) were Christian, (1.2%) were Islamic while (0.90%) indicates others. Finally, the distribution of participants educational status indicates that majority (47%) had secondary education, followed by 30% with primary education while (23%) of the participants had tertiary education. The results indicates that food vendors practice environmental sanitation with a mean score of 3.73, the presence of waste bine was observed with a mean score of 4.33, the presence of hand towel with a mean score of 3.68, presence of soap were observed with a mean score of 3.40. Water supply possess a mean score of 2.84 while presence of files/rat and cockroach possessed a mean score of 3.14. Therefore with the grand mean of 3.52 which im

ABSTRACT
Rising food prices are the real headaches for the politicians. Poultry feeds getting costlier, the raging bird flu in the current & past made the egg reach out of the masses especially the lower socio-economic group in 2025. The article traverses through the initiation of eggs for the masses in India. Thereafter discusses the threats like the bird flu. Moving on, it touches upon the use & metabolism of eggs in the human body. Further, it relates egg production to climate change. As the National Rural Livelihood Mission focuses on rearing hens for eggs, the article touches upon the positive aspects of eggs to influence rural economy. In the final section, the article deals with the therapeutic uses of eggs through the homoeopathic system of medicine. Egg is an important source of homoeopathic materia medica. Hence, the article not only focuses on the nutrition, economy & livelihood aspects related to eggs but also the homoeopathic therapeutics related to eggs.