Background: Fast food culture is fast evolving among the various segments of the Nigerian society; despite the fact that consumption of fast
foods had been implicated in the etiology of cardiovascular diseases in developed countries. There has been no study on the effects of fast
food consumption on nutrition or health outcome in Nigeria. This study investigated the effect of fast food consumption on the quality of
food and nutrients’ intake among Nigerians.
Methods: Anthropometric measurements and 24 h dietary recall were obtained from 254 subjects (127 male and 127 female). Fast foods
were analyzed for nutrients by chemical methods. The food intake was converted to nutrient by multiplying average food consumed by its
content of nutrients; the result was compared to RDA and correlated with anthropometry.
Results: Average energy intake per day was the same for both sexes at 12 MJ contributed 50:38:12% by carbohydrate, fat and protein,
respectively. 60% subjects consumed more than the daily energy requirement and the consumption was reflected in the Body Mass Index
(BMI). There was a positive correlation between energy intake and weight of the subjects (R2
= 0.754 and 0.928 for male and female subjects
respectively). Iron, zinc and protein intake were adequate, sodium was high while calcium, potassium and fibre intake was low. Choice of
milk, fruit and vegetables were generally low compared to sweetened soft drinks.
Conclusion: Consumption of fast food by Nigerians could compromise a healthy diet.