Browsing by Author "AJUZIE NNENNA CHOICE"

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    EFFECTS OF CONSUMING MUSHROOM-BASED DIETS ON VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY-AN ANIMAL BASED STUDY
    (2025-05-12) AJUZIE NNENNA CHOICE
    ABSTRACT Vitamin D is a fat-soluble micronutrient that is important for calcium and phosphorus absorption, bone development, and immune function. It has become a global public health concern due to insufficient sun exposure, making dietary sources very important. This study aimed to assess consumption pattern, knowledge and awareness of mushrooms among pregnant and lactating mothers and evaluate the effectiveness of consuming mushroom based diets on vitamin D deficiency (VDD). Cross-sectional survey among 230 randomly selected pregnant and lactating mothers attending selected tertiary hospitals in Ogun and Lagos States were conducted on mushroom consumption pattern, knowledge, awareness using validated questionnaires. Four most consumed mushrooms were used to formulate four diets using a blend of 62.5g mushrooms; 15.5g millet, 14g soybean, 4g oat, and 4ml vegetable oil were homogenized and blended. Samples of mushrooms and formulated diets were analyzed for nutrients, anti-nutrient, and microbial composition using standard procedures. The VDD induced rats were exposed to formulated diets and VD-tablet (5µg, 10µg, 15µg, and 20µg) and sunlight (120 minutes/day) and 1 group of VDD induced and non-induced rats fed 60g of rat pellet were used as control groups using randomized control design. Rats were fed for four weeks before induction of pregnancy and gestation lasted for 21 days. Weight, blood glucose and pressure were monitored weekly. All rats and pups were sacrificed after delivery following standard procedures. Blood sample were analyzed for calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, protein and lipid profiles using standard biochemical procedures and internal organs were examined for histological features. Data were analyzed using frequency, mean and standard deviation and t-test. Two-third of respondents were aged 26–35 years, with 50% were in second trimester. Most consumed mushrooms were Oyster (41%), Milky (26.5%), Shiitake (21.8%), and Wood Ear (10.6%). Majority (77.1%) of the respondents have never eaten mushroom,62.9% had poor knowledge and 58.3% were aware of mushroom. Oyster mushroom contained the highest VD (161.42µg/100g), calcium (116.21mg/100g), and phosphorus (3.43mg/100g) contents, while Milky mushroom had the highest protein (24.17g/100g) content. Oyster mushroom-based diet had the highest VD (140.05µg/100g), protein, calcium, iron, iodine, folate, and β-carotene. All samples had permitted levels of oxalate, phytate, tannin, saponin lectin. Only Shiitake-based diet had low level of E. coli. Rats fed with mushroom-based diet and VD-tablet showed significant (p<0.005) improvement in serum VD, weight, glucose, blood pressure, calcium, phosphorus, Parathyroid hormone, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, protein levels compare to positive, negative control and sunlight exposed rats. The VD tablet groups had excess serum VD level. Rat Pups exposed to sunlight, mushroom-based diet and positive control had normal birth weights and serum VD levels when compare to pups from the VD drug and negative groups. Histological results showed restored liver, kidney, heart, brain and placental structures of sunlight exposed, fed mushroom-based diet and VD tablets groups when compared positive and negative control groups. In conclusion, mushroom-based diets (Oyster and Milky mushrooms) effectively improved VD status without the risk of toxicity. These diets are recommended as safe, nutrient-rich alternatives for managing VDD during pregnancy and lactation.