Bread Making Potential of Composite Flour of Wheat-Acha (Digitaria exilis staph) Enriched with Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. walp) Flour

Bread-making potentials of composite flours containing 90% wheat and 10% acha enriched with 0-15% cowpea flour were investigated. Proximate composition and functional properties of the blends were studied using AOAC standard methods. Bread loaves were prepared from the blends using the straight dough method and evaluated for loaf height, loaf volume, loaf weight and sensory characteristics. Crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre and ash contents increased significantly (p < 0.05) with increase in level of cowpea flour addition, but moisture content was not significantly (p > 0.05) different among the blends. Functional properties, with exception of bulk density and swelling capacity, were significantly (p < 0.05) different among the blends. Average loaf height and loaf volume decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with increased cowpea flour but loaf weight showed opposite trend with significant (p < 0.05) differences as cowpea flour increased. However, the addition of cowpea flour significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the loaf specific volume but all enriched samples were not significantly (p > 0.05) different. Bread samples from composited blends were rated lower than bread from all wheat bread. Bread loaves from enriched composite flour with up to 10% cowpea flour were acceptable to the panelists.     

Physical,Chemical and Sensory Properties of Baked Products from Blends of Wheat and African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) Water-Extractable Proteins

Blends of wheat flour (WF) and African yam bean water-extractable proteins (AYBWEP) were processed into bread and cookies in the following ratios: 100: 0; 95: 5; 90: 10; 85: 15; 80: 20. The proximate composition, physical, chemical properties and sensory properties of bread and cookies samples from the blends were determined. Breads and cookies produced from the resultant blends were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in protein (16.39% – 18.36%) than the control (11.80% – 12.58%). Carbohydrate content decreased from 60.74% with addition of AYBWEP to 52.81% following 20% substitution. The pH of bread samples prepared from whole wheat flour and blends of wheat flour and AYBWEP were significantly different (p < 0.05) while bulk density and specific volume were not significantly different (p > 0.05). The pH of bread samples and cookies decreased with increase in the proportion of the AYBWEP blend from 5% to 20%. The highest specific volume (3.70 ml/g) was observed in bread samples prepared from the control 100: 0 blends while the 80:20 blends had the lowest specific volume (3.10 ml/g). There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the bulk density and thickness of the cookies. The cookies prepared using 80: 20 blends had the higher diameter (22.53 cm) and spread factor (54.03 cm) compared to the control. Generally, acceptability of the bread and cookies decreased with higher ratios of AYBWEP inclusion. The sensory acceptability scores showed the best AYBWEP substitution level for making bread and cookies was 5% and 10% of the AYBWEP respectively. The results are discussed in the context of the growing importance of promoting the processing and utilization of lesser known local crops in baked products.enrichment.     

Enrichment of Noodles with Soy Flour and Carrot Powder

Noodles were produced from four flour blends of whole wheat, wheat-cassava, wheat-cassava-soy flour and wheat-cassava-carrot flour blends respectively. The flours were analyzed for proximate analysis, functional properties and total carotenoid content. The cooking time of all samples was also determined. Results show that there were significant differences (p < 0.05) between values obtained for moisture content, protein and total carbohydrates (p < 0.05) while values for fat and ash contents of the samples were not significantly different (p > 0.05). The functional properties also showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the pasting properties except for pasting temperature and the cooking time of the samples. The total carotenoid content of the dried carrot sample was found to be 28.34 mg/100 g dry weight basis, while the noodle sample containing 10% dried carrot sample (CSC4) had a total carotenoid content of 1.80 mg/100 g dry weight basis. The results suggest that noodles made from the different flour blends can compare favourably with conventional noodles made from wheat flour in quality and that carrot flour can be used for noodle enrichment.     

Preliminary Studies of the Chemical Composition and Sensory Properties of Sweet Potato Starch-Wheat Flour Blend Noodles

Preliminary studies of chemical composition and sensory properties of instant noodles from blends of wheat flour and sweet potato starch were carried out. Sweet potato starch was used to replace wheat flour at 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70%. Proximate, vitamin A, mineral analysis and sensory evaluation were carried out by standard methods. Results showed that the formulated noodles had higher carbohydrate (63.34 – 70.53%), moisture (4.34 – 4.97%) and vitamin A (11.62 – 35.00 mg/100 g) but lower protein (3.36 – 7.89%), fat (16.91 – 25.09%), calcium (0.73 – 0.89%), phosphorus (0.24 – 0.32%), iron (0.10 – 0.27%) and ash content (1.17 – 3.17%) than the commercial noodles from wheat flour. The noodles containing 30% sweet potato starch showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) from commercial noodles (100% wheat flour) in terms of colour, crunchiness, taste and general acceptability, with improved nutrient composition. It is concluded that production and consumption of wheat flour/potato starch blend noodles should be encouraged to increase the calorie and vitamin A intake in the diet, especially for children who are the major consumers of noodles; apart from helping to promote and improve the utilization of sweet potato tubers.     

Effect of Soy Flour and Maize Flour Addition on Phase Separation in Moi-Moi from Soaked Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and Cowpea Flour from Different Cowpea Varieties

Two improved varieties of cowpea (IT89KO and IT90K-76) and one local variety (lsiocha) were used to investigate the effects of added soyflour and maize flour on the phase separation in moi-moi made from soaked cowpea and cowpea flour. Different levels (5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%) of maize flour, soyflour and a 1:1 blend of soyflour and maize flour (soy/maize flour) were separately added. The moi-moi from the different combinations was evaluated for phase separation and per cent height of the upper layer calculated. Soaking of cowpea reduced the size of the upper layer in moi-moi compared with the use of cowpea flour. The addition of maize flour or the soy/maize flour reduced the upper layer compared with when either flour was added alone. The upper layer of moi-moi made from cowpea flour with added soy flour (21.20%) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than moi-moi from soaked cowpea with added soy flour (15.2%). Moi-moi with added maize flour made from cowpea flour produced a significantly (p < 0.05) higher mean per cent upper layer (19.72%) compared with that from soaked cowpea (8.95%). Addition of soyflour produced the greatest upper layer for all varieties used. There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences in the per cent upper layers for moi-moi from all cowpea varieties when maize flour was added. Increasing the proportion of added flours increased the size of the upper layer. Complete prevention of the occurrence of phase separation in moi-moi by addition of soy flour and maize flour alone is not feasible.     

Effect of Soaking Period on the Ogi Powder Produced from Sorghum

Based on previous research works, it was necessary to investigate the effects of varying steeping period on the quality of ogi powder. Sorghum grain steeped for 24, 36, 48, 60 and 72 h was processed into ogi making use of the traditional method and subsequently dried at 55 °C. The ogi powder obtained was analyzed for proximate composition, functional and pasting properties and consumer acceptability was also carried out. The results showed that the loose and pack bulk density ranged from 0.27 – 0.31 g/ml and 0.53 – 0.55 g/ml respectively from all the steeping periods. Water absorption capacity was from 178 – 199 g/100 g. Linear relationship described well the increase in water and oil absorption in this study and the coefficient of correlation (R²) was 0.988 and 0.814 respectively. Emulsion capacity increased from 19.40 – 21.25 g/100 g for all the steeping periods emulsion stability increased from 6.50 – 6.70%. Foaming capacity decreased from 15.05 – 13.10% for all the soaking periods. Swelling index was between 6.9 – 7.2 per cent for all the steeping periods 5.05 – 5.51 min respectively. There was significant difference (p < 0.05) in the peak viscosity, final, trough, and set back viscosities. These pasting properties decreased with increase in soaking period.     

Chemical and Sensory Evaluation of African Breadfruit (Treculia africana) Seeds Processed with Alum and Trona

The effect of aluminum sulphate (alum) and sodium sesquicarbonate (trona) on the chemical and sensory qualities of African breadfruit seeds (ABFS) was studied. ABFS were steeped in (0 – 2.0%) alum concentrations for 24 h. The seeds were parboiled, dehulled and then cooked with (0 – 2.0%) trona concentrations for 90 min. The chemical composition (proximate, energy, pH and titratable acidity) and sensory qualities of these samples were analyzed alongside the control (raw dehulled ABFS). The results showed that there were significant differences (p < 0.05) between the control and the processed samples as well as among the processed samples. There were significant (p < 0.05) increases in moisture (8.81 – 32.02%), ash (3.22 – 6.43%) and pH (6.97 – 7.64) contents as the concentration of alum and trona increased, whereas crude protein, fat, crude fibre, carbohydrate and total titratable acidity decreased with increase in the concentration of trona. However, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the colour of the cooked samples. ABFS sample cooked with 1.5% trona concentration was rated highest (7.02) in overall acceptability.     

Chemical,Functional and Pasting Properties of Defatted Starches from Cowpea and Soybean and Application in Stiff Porridge Preparation

The effects of defatting on the chemical, functional and pasting properties of starches from cowpea and soybean and their application in stiff porridge preparation were studied. Conventional cassava starch served as standard. Defatting of cowpea and soybean resulted in higher yield. Defatted starches also had higher amylose contents with low protein, fat and ash contents than full fat starches. In addition, defatted starches from cowpea and soybean had higher water absorption capacity, swelling power, blue value index and low bulk density, higher peak viscosity, trough, final viscosity, setback values than full fat cowpea and soybean starches while cassava starch had higher peak time and pasting temperature than the legume starches. The full fat starches from soybean and cowpea had high breakdown and low setback values than the defatted samples and control. The extensibility values of defatted starches were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher than full fat starches but lower than control. There was no significant (p ≥ 0.05) difference in texture and appearance of stiff porridges prepared from cowpea, soybean and cassava starches. Similarly, there was no significant (p ≥ 0.05) difference in mouldability, stickiness and overall acceptability between defatted starches and control but significantly different (p ≤ 0.05) with the full fat starches. It is therefore concluded that consumption of such stiff porridges could be beneficial to individuals requiring decreased and/or slow starch digestibility such as diabetic patients and long distance athletes since legume starches are known to have low starch digestibility.     

Effect of Blending on the Composition and Acceptability of Blends of Unripe Banana and Pigeon Pea Flours

Proximate composition, amino acid profile, trace minerals, functional properties and organoleptic evaluation of blends of unripe banana and pigeon pea flours were studied. The proximate composition of the blends showed that addition of pigeon pea significantly (p < 0.05) increased the protein from 2.40 – 14.48 ± ^0.11. Similarly, the ash, fat and crude fibre increased while carbohydrate content significantly decreased from 79.86 – 55.00 ± ^0.47. The amino acid profile showed that addition of pigeon pea up to 37.5% levels resulted in increase in all amino acids evaluated. The blend amino acid status was adequate for adult nutrition when compared to the FAO recommendations. However the blend was found deficient in lysine, leucine, iso-leucine and phenylalanine when compared with the FAO recommendations for infants. Increased levels of pigeon pea in the blend also resulted in significant increases in potassium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium and calcium. Similarly, increased levels of pigeon pea in the blend significantly increased the gelation concentration and foaming capacities while the bulk density, water absorption and oil absorption capacities significantly (p > 0.05) decreased. The results showed that blending of pigeon pea with unripe plantain would produce meals of balanced nutrient densities for adults.     

Physicochemical and Sensory Properties of Instant Kunun-Zaki Flour Blends from Sorghum and Mango Mesocarp Flours

Instant Kunun-zaki, a fermented non-alcoholic sorghum beverage, was prepared by mixing different per cent blend ratios of unmalted sorghum flour: mango mesocarp flour (90:0, 75:15, 70:20, 65:25, and 60:30) with 10% malted sorghum. Proximate compositions, chemical and functional properties of the blends were analyzed. Addition of mango mesocarp flour significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased the ash (1.31 to 1.75%), crude fibre (2.57 to 3.39%) and decreased significantly (p < 0.05) the energy content (368.21 to 354.67 kcal/100 g) of the blends. The β-carotene content also increased from 95.65 to 139.13 μg/100 g with increased mango mesocarp flour. Hygroscopicity increased significantly (p < 0.05) from 6.10 to 10.28% while viscosity of the blends decreased significantly (p < 0.05) from 1715 to 1195.46 cP. Mango mesocarp flour addition increased the ash, crude fibre and introduced β-carotene into the product.     

A Critical Evaluation of Survey Results of Vitamin A and Fe Levels in the Mandatory Fortified Food Vehicles and Some Selected Processed Foods in Nigeria

A nationwide survey was conducted to ascertain the levels of Vitamin A and Fe in wheat and maize flours, sugar and vegetable oils and some flour-based processed foods to assess compliance to the Nigerian Industrial Standard. Samples were collected from factories and markets in all the 36 states of the six geopolitical zones of the country; comprising 94 (vegetable oil), 42 (sugar), 95 (flour) and 62 (processed foods) and subjected to vitamin A and iron analyses using HPLC and AAS respectively. Using a 50% acceptable range of the specified minimum standards as basis for compliance, the results showed that only 14.9 – 20.2 % of the samples of vegetable oils analyzed fell within acceptable level (10,000-20,000 IU/kg) but there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the results obtained for the six zones. For sugar, only 11.9 – 16.7 % of the samples collected complied with the acceptable range of the standards (12,500 – 25,000 IU/kg) but this varied significantly (p > 0.05) with the zones. The levels of compliance for vitamin A and Fe in flours were found to be 12.2 – 33.3 % and 1.0 – 21.0 % respectively at the acceptable range of 15,000 – 30,000 IU/kg and 34.6 – 46.8 mg/kg, respectively. In all cases, the compliance levels at the 50% range were only marginally higher than at the 30% WHO acceptable range. For the levels of these micronutrients in the processed foods, the values obtained ranged between 5,139 – 7,687 IU/kg for vitamin A and 11.9 – 16.7 mg/kg for Fe. These results call for a critical and holistic review of the fortification strategy in Nigeria.     

Use of Seed Sprouting in Modification of Food Nutrients and Pasting Profile of Tropical Legume Flours

The study investigates the effect of seed sprouting on minerals, anti nutrients and pasting characteristics of flours produced from some tropical legume seeds. Samples were collected from cowpea (Vigna ungulculata); red kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), and Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) and each sample was divided into two portions. A portion was sprouted while the other portion served as the control. The flours from sprouted and non-sprouted seeds were analyzed for the minerals, anti nutritional and pasting properties. The samples were found to differ significantly (p < 0.05) in the minerals, anti nutritional composition and pasting properties of the flours. Sprouting increased the mineral contents of the flours generally the calcium content of non-sprouted red kidney beans (13.8 mg/100 g) increased to 16.1 mg/100 g in the sprouted flour. The haemagglutinin decreased from 40.6 HU/mg in non sprouted red kidney to 6.4 HU/mg in the sprouted. The final viscosity of the non sprouted flours were higher than those of the sprouted, with non sprouted cowpea scoring the highest, 272 RVU, while sprouted red kidney beans had the least, 109.06 RVU, which implies that sprouting caused a reduction in the gel strength and elasticity of the samples. Seed sprouting effectively increased the mineral nutrients and lowered the anti nutrients, but produced steamed paste with poor gel strength.     

Physical,Sensory and Microbiological Properties of Wheat-Fermented Unripe Plantain Flour

The physical, sensory and microbiological properties of wheat-fermented unripe plantain composite flour bread were studied. Mature unripe plantain was peeled, sliced, steam blanched, dried and milled into flour. The flour was made into a slurry (10 g of flour/3 ml of water) and allowed to ferment for 24 h. It was then dried, pounded and sieved through 0.25 mm sieve. The fermented unripe plantain flour was then blended with wheat flour in the ratios of (wheat:fermented unripe plantain) 100:0; 90:10; 80:20; 70:30; and 60:40. Bread was produced from the flour blends using the straight dough method. Loaf weight and volume decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with increasing levels of plantain flour inclusion. Sensory evaluation of the flour samples revealed significant differences in the ratings for crumb colour and texture between 100% wheat flour (100:0) and 60% wheat-40% fermented unripe plantain flour (60:40) bread but no significant difference was observed between all bread samples with respect to crust colour, taste, aroma and overall acceptability. The sensory scores showed that all the bread samples were acceptable. Microbiological analysis (total viable count) revealed that all the bread samples were free of microorganisms for up to four days after production.     

Quality of ‘Abacha’ from Fresh Cassava Roots and Dried Chips

This study was undertaken to determine the possibility of producing acceptable ‘abacha’ from dried chips. The ‘abacha’ slices were processed from dried cassava chips and fresh roots of four cassava varieties, TMS 98/2101, NR/87184, TMS 97/4779 and NR87184. The proximate composition, chemical and sensory properties as affected by the processing method and variety were evaluated. The proximate composition of the ‘abacha’ (on dry basis) showed moisture content range of 9.53 – 10.48%, protein 1.07 – 1.66%, ash 2.06 – 2.56%, fibre 1.72 – 1.95, fat 0.39 – 0.58% and carbohydrate content of 83.59 – 85.05%. The chemical composition of the wet ‘abacha’ slices showed pH of 5.60 – 5.80, total titratable acidity (TTA) of 0.047 – 0.063, and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) value of 7.80 – 10.41 mg/100 g. Generally, the TTA of the ‘abacha’ samples was not significantly (p > 0.05) affected by the method of processing ‘abacha’ and the variety used. Drying the wet ‘abacha’ reduced the pH to 5.20 – 5.30, increased the TTA to 0.213 – 0.230% and further reduced the HCN content to 7.32 – 8.63 mg/100 g. The HCN of all the ‘abacha’ samples processed from dried chips were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than the HCN of ‘abacha’ processed from fresh cassava root in some of the varieties. The lower sensory scores for ‘abacha’ made from dried chips shows that they were inferior to the ones from fresh cassava, although they were also accepted by the consumers. It also compared favourably with the ‘abacha’ processed from fresh cassava root in chemical qualities. This shows that when the need arises ‘abacha’ slices can be processed from dried cassava chips.     

Processing Effects on Chemical,Functional and Pasting Properties of Cowpea Flour from Different Varieties

Cowpea varieties (IT88D-867-11, IT89KD-288 and MALA) were boiled, roasted, dehulled and later milled into powder. The proximate composition, functional and pasting properties as well as anti-nutritional contents (Tannin) of the product was subsequently determined. The result of the study revealed significant increase (P < 0.05) in the crude protein, crude ash, swelling power and water absorption capacity. Conversely, significant decrease (P < 0.05) was observed in crude fat, starch content, moisture content, solubility and peak viscosity. Boiled samples have significantly higher (P < 0.05) crude protein, swelling power, water absorption capacity, with concomitantly lower solubility and tannin content. Crude ash, moisture, solubility and tannin content of dehulled samples decreased significantly with an increase in protein, swelling power and water absorption capacity. However, IT89KD-288 has the highest protein content irrespective of the processing used. But raw IT89KD-288 showed highest percentage of swelling power, solubility, water absorption capacity and Tannin content. The result revealed that both boiling and dehulling will greatly reduce tannin content of cowpea.     

Physicochemical Properties of Mango Seed Flour

The proximate composition, functional and antinutritional properties of flour produced from seeds of mangoes grown in Ebonyi State were studied. Two cultivars: India and Indochinese were used for the study. The aim of the study was to determine any possible potential that flour obtained from these seeds might possess. Results revealed that flours from India and Indochinese cultivars had protein contents of 6.00 and 4.95%; moisture, 5.00 and 10.36%; fibre, 11.00 and 15% while the carbohydrate was 74.41 and 64.23% respectively. Results from the functional properties showed that flours from both of the cultivars had water absorption capacities of 2.0 g/g and 1.5 g/g; oil absorption capacity of 2.16 g/g and 1.83 g/g while foaming capacity was 3.79 g/g and 3.75 g/g with India cultivar having higher values for each of the functional properties studied although, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the values except for the water absorption capacity. Levels of hydrogen cyanide, phytic acid and trypsin inhibitors were generally low and within safe levels.     

Effect of Different Soaking Time and Boiling on the Proximate Composition and Functional Properties of Sprouted Sesame Seed Flour

The effect of soaking time on the proximate composition and functional properties of sprouted sesame seed flour were investigated. Sesame seed samples were cleaned and pretreated by soaking in clean water for 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 h. One batch was sprouted for 36 h and another portion was sprouted and then boiled (100 °C for 20 min), dried, milled into flours and subjected to further analysis. The raw (unsprouted) sample was used as control. The proximate composition and the functional properties were determined for each of the samples and the result showed deviations in nutrient content from the raw seed flour. Moisture and protein content was increased by soaking and sprouting but reduced after boiling from a value of (4.99% and 47.64%) to (4.92% and 42.06%) respectively, for the 10 h soaked sample. Fat, crude fibre, ash and carbohydrate contents were reduced by soaking and sprouting while boiling of the sprouted seeds increased the fat and carbohydrate content. Soaking, sprouting and boiling significantly affected the functional properties of the flour (p < 0.05). Soaking and sprouting reduced the bulk density and dispersion of the samples from an initial value of (0.83% and 67.50%) for the unsprouted seed flour to a value of (0.71% and 59.00%) in 10 h soaked samples but increased slightly in most of the soaked sprouted-boiled samples. Thus, soaking of sesame seeds for 12–14 h before sprouting can be used to improve the proximate composition and functional properties of sesame seeds, hence, increase the utilization of the flour.     

Acceptability of Noodles Produced from Blends of Wheat,Acha and Soybean Composite Flours

Acha (Digitaria exilis) and soybean (Glycine max) were processed into flours and used to substitute wheat flour (Titicum aestivm) as a composite flour at different proportions of 100:0:0 (Wheat); 75:25:25 (Wheat: Acha: Soybean); 75:25 (Wheat: Acha); 75:25 (Wheat: Soybean) and 50:50 (Acha: soybean). The formulated blends were used to produce noodles. The noodles were subjected to proximate analysis, functional properties and sensory evaluation using commercial instant noodles as control. The results revealed that the protein, moisture, ash and fat contents were higher in the formulated samples than in the control. Sample AS (50% Acha and 50% Soybean) had 26.47% protein and was significantly different (p < 0.05) from the control (8.97%). The protein and fat contents increased while carbohydrate decreased with increase in soybean addition to the blend. The functional properties showed that water absorption capacity increased with increase in wheat blend. There were no significant differences (p < 0.05) between the formulated samples in their swelling index and wettability. The result of the sensory evaluation based on a nine point hedonic scale showed that generally apart from the control, noodles from 100% wheat and wheat noodles supplemented with soybean up to 25% were acceptable to the panelists.     

Effect of Dry Heat Pre-Treatment (Toasting) on the Cooking Time of Cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp)

Four cowpea varieties (Brown beans, Oloka beans, IAR48 and IT89KD-288) were toasted at 105 °C, and used to study the effect of dry heat treatment on the cooking time and nutrient composition of cowpea seeds and also its effect on the functional properties of resultant flour of the cowpea seed varieties. Toasting reduced the cooking time for brown and oloka cowpea varieties from 55.00–31.00 and 70.67–51.67 min, respectively. The cooking time for IAR48 and IT89KD-288 cowpea varieties increased from 104.67 to 106.00 and 88.00 to 88.67 min, respectively. The results indicate that the cooking time of cowpea seeds can be reduced significantly on toasting, while maintaining their potential as functional agents in the food industry for nutrition and utilisation. Correlation between the amount of water imbibed by cowpea seeds and their cooking time was -0.74, but was not significant at p ≤ 0.05, suggesting that there is no significant relationship between the amount of water imbibed by cowpea seeds and their cooking time.     

Human Serum Vitamin A and β-Carotene Contents in Relation to Locally Consumed Foods,Social Status and Gender in Kano Metropolis

Determination of the levels of vitamin A (as retinol) and β-carotene in locally consumed foods in relationship to their occurrence in the serum of individuals grouped according to different social groups and sexes was carried out in Kano metropolis. Both raw and prepared foods (meals/snacks) investigated showed the presence of β-carotene while vitamin A was only present in the latter. The levels of β-carotene in foods/snacks ranged from 2.00 – 3.40 and 88 – 1120 iu/kg in raw foods while that of vitamin A in the former was 13.00 – 23.50 iu/kg. Food/snacks derived from animal products and those made from vitamin A fortified foods showed marginally higher vitamin contents. The mean serum β-carotene and retinol concentrations of the individual grouped according to sex and social class showed significant differences between the three social groups (P < 0.05). The higher the income class, the higher the value of vitamin A and its precursor. There was no significant difference in the β-carotene and retinol concentration between males and females of low income and high income class (P > 0.05). However, there was significant difference between males and females of the medium income class (P < 0.05). These results are discussed in terms of an apparent relationship between income and serum vitamin A content.