Abstract
Background
Globally, iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) disproportionately affects pregnant women due to the increased physiological demands of iron associated with fetal growth and development. However, the highest burden of IDA is on pregnant women who reside in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) because they predominantly consume staple legumes such as conventional common bean (CCB) (Phaseolus vulgaris). Such CCB is either low in iron or rich in iron absorption inhibitors such as phytate and polyphenols. To contribute towards fighting IDA, a high iron biofortified common bean (IBCB) was introduced in Uganda. However, there is limited knowledge about its perceptions and acceptability among pregnant women. This study evaluated the perceptions and sensory acceptability of a high iron-low phytate: iron molar ration dish, WFSP + IBCB (test food) against a low iron-high phytate: iron molar ratio dish, WFSP + CCB (control food) among pregnant women in rural Uganda.
Methods
A total of 104 pregnant women participated in the study. The sensory attributes (taste, colour, aroma, texture, and general acceptability) of the test and control foods were rated using a five-point facial hedonic scale (1 = dislike very much, 2 = dislike, 3 = neutral, 4 = like 5 = like very much). An attribute was acceptable if the participant scored from “like to like very much”. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted to assess participant perceptions about the consumption of WFSP + IBCB during pregnancy. The chi-square test was used to detect the proportion difference for each sensory attribute between WFSP + IBCB and WFSP + CCB, whilst FGD data were analyzed by thematic analysis.
Results
All the sensory attributes were acceptable to the participants and not significantly different between WFSP + IBCB and WFSP + CCB (P > 0.05). The pregnant women had positive perceptions of consuming the WFSP + IBCB dish provided IBCB was accessible, affordable, and feasible to prepare, and its intake provided healthier pregnancy outcomes.
Conclusion
The WFSP + IBCB was accepted by pregnant women, and has the potential to replace WFSP + CCB. Intervention studies are needed to evaluate the effect of IBCB intake on iron status, IDA, and pregnancy outcomes in this study population.