OPTIMAL DIETARY BLENDING FOR HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY IN SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA: LESSONS FROM PUBLISHED DATA

The study estimates the optimal dietary intake of Lagos State residents. Analysis of the available data indicates over-consumption of all nutrients which suggests that the common nutrition related health problems in Lagos State could be attributed to excessive nutrient in-take. Consumption at the optimal level would ensure adequate nutrients at a cost within people's income limitations. The results however revealed the inadequacies of using published data for the analysis. An independent diet recall survey is therefore recommended.