A lot of reports show that there exist problem of malnutrition among Nigerian children. This study has
been designed to assess the nutritional status of preschool children aged 2 - 5 years in Aguata L.G.A of
Anambra State, Nigeria. The study was carried out using anthropometric measurements (weights and
heights) and 3 day weighed food intake methods. Two hundred and eight preschool children were
randomly selected from two (2) towns in Aguata. A sub sample of 20 children was randomly selected for
the 3 day weighed food intake study. The mean weights and heights of the children ranged from 11.6 ±
2.19 to 19.3 ± 1.84 kg and 85.7 ± 7.61 to 111.6 ± 3.99 cm, respectively. Using NCHS (1976), Standard of
reference, 7.7, 7.7 and 2.4% of the children were wasted, stunted and underweight, respectively. The
daily energy intake of the children ranged between 51.2 and 62.9% of their energy requirement daily.
Their daily protein, iron, calcium, and B-complex vitamin intakes were generally poor while that of
vitamin A was above requirement values. However, most of their foods were of plant source whose
nutrients are poorly bioavailable. Therefore, application of improved food processing and storage
techniques, dietary diversification and fortification with intensified nutrition education would reduce
malnutrition in the area.