Browsing by Author "Martin Mutambuka"

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    Comparative analysis of nutrients in frequently consumed Indigenous African vegetables: implications for geriatric nutrition
    (Taylor and Francis Group, 2026-01-27) Martin Mutambuka; Mildred Nakanwagi; Rosemary Bulyaba; Isaac Onziga Bramadri; Gerald Tumusiime; Elizabeth Balyejusa Kizito
    The promotion and consumption of african indigenous Vegetables (aiVs) offers potential to improve diet quality and reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases among older persons. however, limited information exists on the minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals that contribute to these benefits. This study assessed the nutritional composition of three genotypes of each of four commonly consumed aiVs in Uganda: Solanum aethiopicum Shum (e16, e15, and e11), Solanum aethiopicum gilo (G4, G9, and G6), Amaranthus sp. (Var. 008, Var. 025, and Var. 007), and Vigna unguiculata l. Walp (UcU cow 1, aseremoya, and acc23). The vegetables were analysed for minerals (Fe, Zn, ca, Mg, K), dietary fibre, phytochemicals (anthocyanins, tannins, catechins, polyphenols, chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, ferulic acid, flavonoids), and vitamins (α-tocopherol and β-carotene) using standard procedures and means were separated using one-Way anoVa. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed across aiVs. S. aethiopicum Shum e16 exhibited the highest mineral levels, while V. unguiculata genotypes showed he lowest Mg, Fe, and K content. iron was highest in S. aethiopicum gilo g4 (8.83 mg/100 g). leafy vegetables contained greater quantities of phytochemicals, dietary fibre, β-carotene, and α-tocopherol than fruit vegetables. Principal component analysis segregated genotypes based on nutrient profiles: phytochemicals and fibre strongly influenced V. unguiculata clustering, minerals influenced Solanum spp, and tocopherol and gallic acid distinguished Amaranthus genotypes. These findings highlight distinct nutritional advantages across aiV species. V. unguiculata exhibited particularly high phytochemical and vitamin content, suggesting its value as a nutrient-dense component of diets aimed at supporting healthy ageing.
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    The Potential of Solanum Aethopicam Supplementation to Reduce the Anthropometric and Biochemical Risk Factors for Non-communicable Diseases Among Older Persons in Mukono Municipality, Uganda: A Before-and-After Study
    (BMC, 2023-10-06) Gerald Tumusiime; Elizabeth Kizito Balyejusa; Anthony Kkonde; Mildred Julian Nakanwagi; Stephen Tukwasibwe; Catherine Ndagire; Martin Mutambuka
    Background: Non-communicable diseases contribute to over 70% of all deaths globally with the majority of the deaths in low and middle-income countries. Although increased vegetable consumption is a cost-effective intervention to mitigate the burden of non-communicable diseases, little is known about African indigenous vegetables to guide their consumption, especially among older persons. This study, aimed at exploring the potential of dietary Solanum aethopicam Shum supplementation in the reduction of the risk of non-communicable diseases among older persons aged 50 years and above in Mukono municipality,Uganda. Methods: This was a before-and-after study of 100 community-dwelling older persons aged 50 years and above residing in cosmopolitan Mukono Municipality in central Uganda. The meal of each participant was supplemented with 375g of Solanum aethiopicum Shum per day for four weeks. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were collected at baseline and at the end of the four weeks. All measurements were taken in the morning after an overnight fast. Data was entered into an Excel sheet and transferred to STATA software for analysis. All data was summarized in tables and texts. Results: Of the 100 older persons aged 50 to 88 years (mean 63 ± 10), 60% were females and on average, males were older than females. Based on the body mass index, five percent were underweight, 40% were normal, and 55% were overweight or obese at baseline. After supplementation with Solanum aethiopicum Shum, three percent were normal, 44% were normal and 53% were overweight or obese. Also, there was a mean reduction in the participants’ weight, body mass index, mid-upper arm circumference, abdominal girth, hip circumference, and C-reactive protein. Conclusion: The results suggest that supplementation of the older persons’ diet with Solanum aethiopicum Shum improves their nutrition status, and leads to a reduction in the mean weight, body mass index, mid-upper arm circumference, abdominal girth, hip circumference, and C-reactive protein levels. Dietary supplementation with Solanum aethiopicum Shum should be promoted as a potential strategy to reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases among older persons.