There is urgent demand for health consciousness to prevent malnutrition; a high risk factor in developing countries especially in the rural areas. Malnutrition is the leading cause of ill health in the developing world with micronutrient deficiencies playing a pivotal role. Supplementation with high micronutrients dense foods has proven to greatly reduce malnutrition and improve food security among individuals [1]. The role of micronutrients in health and disease is being extensively studied and they are found to be essential for cell defense, antioxidant defense mechanisms and prevention of chronic diseases [2]. Increasing awareness about the role of micronutrients in health and disease has resulted in the extensive advocate inclusion and consumption of mushrooms that compete favourably with meat, an animal protein source. Malnutrition can be prevented or reduced with high consumption of mushroom [3]. Local knowledge about the use of mushroom as food, medicinal application, recreational objects, beliefs and myths, as well as income generating activity to poor households is well documented in different parts of the world [4]. Mushrooms are fungi, distinct in nature and classified as their own kingdom—separate from plants or animals even though its taxonomy is with vegetables. They are fruiting bodies of macroscopic filamentous fungi that grow above the ground, and have been a part of the human diet, celebrated as a source of powerful nutrients and used as both food and medicine for centuries especially among Eastern cultures [5]. They are described as the “forgotten source of nutrients”. Mdachi [6], Daba [7], Klupp [8] assert that mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins, riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid, that helps to provide energy by breaking down proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

Mushrooms, the fruiting bodies of macroscopic filamentous fungi, are visible to the naked eye. They are like a flower or a fruit of the plant which are distinct in nature and separate from plants or animals. All mushrooms are fungi, but not all fungi are mushrooms. Mushrooms usually grow in rich organic substrates. They play a vital role in every ecosystem, and they grow in forests, gardens, lawns, meadows, pastures on any nutrient rich soil excluding clay soil and sand and come in lots of different shapes, sizes, and colors. The ones that are not toxic happen to be quite healthy, and tasty too without sodium or fat. For many years they have been used for their unique ability to add flavor in lots of different cultures’ cuisines. Mushrooms are classified into food grouping systems by their use as a vegetable. Mushrooms have long been celebrated as a source of powerful nutrients and used as both food and medicine for centuries especially among Eastern cultures [9]. Mushrooms are regarded as a superfood, and one of the most health-promoting foods on the planet. [10] [11] opined that an estimated 50% of edible mushrooms are considered as functional foods, meaning that they have a potentially positive effect on health beyond basic nutrition. Consuming a varied diet is a recommended approach to achieving optimal nutritional requirements. Mushroom studies assert an association of improved nutritional status with its consumption among human especially children where there is scarcity of animal protein [12]. These studies have identified mushrooms as good sources of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals that often exceed levels registered in most widely consumed cereal staples. They, thus have widely advocated for inclusion of mushrooms in human nutrition in the tropical rural areas and especially where tubers, cereals or pulses are staples and meat may be rare or too expensive for a greater portion of the population [13] [14] [15]. Mushroom consumption is also associated with reduction of mild cognitive impairment in adults. Emerging evidence suggests that mushrooms may have neuroprotective properties especially ergothioneine, a compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that delay neurodegeneration [16]. This suggests why most mushrooms studies have been in the area of their apparent cancer-fighting powers since mushrooms contain a class of proteins called lectins, which are able to bind to abnormal cells and cancer cells and label the cells for destruction by the immune system. Kozarski et al. [17] assert that mushrooms are also rich in selenium. Selenium is an essential trace element needed in small quantity for good health as it is an antioxidant enzyme that helps to prevent cells from damage as it strengthens and increased durability of bones, the teeth, hair, and nails. The primary source of selenium is animal proteins; however, due to mushroom classification as fungi that feed on animal and plant matter, they are the best source of obtaining necessary amount of selenium especially among vegetarians. Mushrooms according to [6] [7] [8] [18] and [19] are great sources of protein, fiber, B vitamins (especially niacin), vitamin C, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, calcium and copper that help to provide energy by breaking down proteins, fats and carbohydrates. The combination of these nutrients helps protect heart health. Riboflavin for instance is good for red blood cells. Niacin is good for the digestive system and for maintaining healthy skin. Pantothenic acid is good for the nervous system and helps the body make the hormones it needs. Beta glucan a form of soluble dietary fiber that is strongly linked to improving cholesterol and boosting heart health is found in button mushrooms [17]. Beta glucan helps the body regulate blood sugar thereby reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Copper regulates and stimulates the absorption of iron from food, and properly utilize it by getting it released from primary storage spots in the body like the liver. Potassium is one of the nutrients of mushroom that is extremely important in heart, muscle, and nerve function. Mushrooms therefore can be considered as a delicacy with high nutritional and functional value that are accepted as nutraceutical foods especially due to their organoleptic merit, medicinal properties, and economic significance [10] [20] [21].

This descriptive, Cross-sectional, questionnaire based study was designed to assess the level of awareness and utilization of mushroom as a food supplement in five Local Government Areas (Calabar, Ikom, Obubra, Ogoja and Obudu) of Cross River State, one predominantly urban (Calabar) and the other four mostly rural. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection from 250 subjects using stratified random sampling technique. The questionnaire was formed based on a review of the dietary literature on mushrooms. The questionnaire was then standardized for use in the study. Ethical approval was obtained from Cross River State Ethical Committee, Ministry of Health and Heads of various communities studied. Participants’ consents were obtained and they were duly informed to feel free to withdraw from study if they wanted at any point. Some of the participants were old and could not read and write but agreed to respond to oral questions after explaining the importance of the study and their contribution to it. Data were analyzed using inferential and non-inferential statistical methods. Descriptive statistical results were reported in frequency and percentage while chi-square was used to test hypothesis.

Table 1 shows the socio-demographic data of the participants. Majority of the participants were between the age range of 21 - 30 (90 (36%)) and 31 - 40 years

70 (28%). Most of the mushrooms gatherers 200 (80%) as shown on the table were women, 172 (68.8%) were married while 67 (26.8%) were single, 80 (32%) had secondary education, 55 (22%) had tertiary education, 63 (25.2%) were primary 6 certificate holders while 52 (20.8% had no formal education. Findings show that 191 (76.4%) lived in the rural areas while 59 (23.6%) reside in the urban area.

Table 2 shows participants’ knowledge of mushroom. The results revealed that the participants had varied views about mushrooms. Here 196 (78.4%) of the participants said mushrooms are God’s gift to man, 240 (96%) mushrooms can influence the course of disease and the body’s response to treatment, 188 (75.2%) reported that mushrooms are some kind of vegetables very rich in minerals, 178 (63.6%) asserted that there are variations among and within species of mushrooms, while 159 (63.6%) agreed that each mushroom has its unique taste. Other responses are as shown on the table. Mean knowledge of the participants was 13.02.

The final score for participants’ knowledge on mushrooms as food supplement that prevents malnutrition was obtained by adding up participants’ scores on all items in the knowledge section. The minimum score was 10 while the maximum score was 21. Thus, scores from 10 - 15 were categorized as poor knowledge while scorers between 16 and 21 were classified as good knowledge. Consequently, 178 (71.2%) had good knowledge while 72 (28.8%) had poor Knowledge (Figure 6).

Participants responses on utilization of mushrooms as food supplements as shown in Table 3 revealed that majority of the participants (sometimes responses) use mushrooms for various reasons (Figure 7). These answers clearly depend on mushrooms availability as clearly shown on the table.

Participant’s scores for always and sometimes responses were merged to represent participants usage of mushrooms while those of rarely and never were merged to show participants responses regarding non-usage of mushrooms (Figure 8).

Hypothesis Testing

H0: There is no statistically significant association between participant’s knowledge and their utilization of mushrooms.

The result in Table 4 reveals that, the calculated X² value of 89.62^a was greater than the critical X² value of 3.84 at <0.05 level of significance and 1 degree of freedom. Thus, the null hypothesis was rejected, implying that there was a statistically significant association between participant’s knowledge and their utilization of mushrooms.

*Significant at (p < 0.05); df = 1; critical X² = 3.84.

The demand for health consciousness to prevent malnutrition, reduce micronutrients deficiencies and improve household food security especially in the rural areas of the developing countries is increasing with the search for alternative foods to improve household nutrients requirement [1]. This study was conducted to assess the level of knowledge and utilization of mushroom as a food supplement in six Local Government Areas of Cross River State. Adequate food intake is essential for nutritional wellbeing and plays a role in preventing morbidity and mortality. The commonest reasons people give, for consuming certain foods are to maintain good health and ensure adequate nutrition. Humans therefore, need a wide range of nutrients to lead a healthy and active life, derived from adequate diet with essential nutrients. Amongst several essential nutrients, proteins are regarded important as body’s building blocks which also stimulate several vital metabolic processes. Proteins could be sourced through several dietary ingredients like pulses, grains, milk, eggs, fish and meat. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), which is the minimum amount required to be healthy, is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day. Increasing awareness about the role of micronutrients in health and disease has resulted in the extensive advocate inclusion and consumption of mushrooms that compete favourably with meat, an animal protein source [3] [6] [7] [8] [18] [19]. Mushrooms studies have shown an association of mushrooms with good health as they are widely consumed for their consistency and great flavor making them a potential substitute for meat [3] [12] [23] an assertion supported by this study where 120 (48%) and 77 (30.8%) participant said they always and sometimes use mushrooms for their flavours or as meat in Table 2 and Table 3. Mushrooms are also reported to contain in abundance leucine, valine, glutamine, glutamic and aspartic acids well known amino acids. Besides proteins, edible mushrooms contain many different bioactive compounds like ergothioneine, a compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that delays neurodegeneration [16], selenium an essential trace element and an antioxidant enzyme that helps to prevent cells from damage as it strengthens and increased durability of bones, the teeth, hair, and nails [17], vitamin C another antioxidant in combination with B vitamins found in them play important roles in various human health benefits.

Based on these important roles of mushrooms, the researchers assessed the participant knowledge and utilization of mushrooms. The study revealed that most of the mushrooms gatherers 200 (80%) were women. This finding agrees with the observation made by other researchers who also observed that women are the principal mushroom collectors in many parts of the world, playing a central role on mushroom processing both for self-consumption and sale. This also supports the high knowledge report of the participant in the finding. It thus shows that women surely have vast knowledge on mushroom folk taxonomy, edibility, biology, as well as ecological niches as reported by [4]. Although, the findings revealed that most of the participants 178 (71.2%) had good knowledge as they could relate mushrooms with some health benefits based on what they learnt from parents, friends and studies and could utilized the mushrooms based on the scores, 205 (82%), of the participants, knowledge was not in-depth enough to appreciate the benefits of mushrooms maximally as a food supplement and security. Analysis of the hypothesis revealed a statistically significant association between participant’s’ knowledge and their utilization of mushrooms thus rejecting the null hypothesis the null hypothesis.

This study assessed the knowledge and utilization of mushrooms from 6 LGAs in Cross River State. The results of this research are not intended to be generalizable across time or with a more geographically diverse area. This is a study limitation but the findings are an important reminder about the gaps in nutrition communication and role understanding that often exist between nutrition researchers and consumers.

This study has clearly demonstrated that mushrooms consumption is based on knowledge of the participants. It has therefore become apparent that information on mushrooms is made available in the research areas to improve nutritional status, reduce malnutrition and also prevent and treat the applicable non-communicable diseases. This can be achieved through health education and their importance and health implications and the use of mushrooms home gardens by households. Households can grow their mushrooms using agricultural waste either alone or in combination to make mushroom substrate to boost alternative supplement food availability [22]. Oyster mushroom for instance, is the mushroom with the simplest cultivation technology and is highly suitable for Nigerian conditions. It can be grown on wide range of substrate—rice straw, wheat straw, sorghum straw, groundnut shells, soya bean stalk, cassava or yam peels, fallen palm or other trees, sugarcane wastes etc. This home gardening method can boost food diversification and reduce malnutrition [1]. By stimulating access to and increasing availability of mushrooms as micronutrient rich foods through food diversification, the choice to eat healthier will be promoted.

The authors declare that they have no competing interest.

Mgbekem, M.A., Lukpata, F., Ndukaku, N., Armon, M., Uka, V.K., Udosen, G.N. and Pricilla, A.-B. (2019) Knowledge and Utilization of Mushroom as a Food Supplement among Families in Selected Local Government Areas of Cross River State, Nigeria. Food and Nutrition Sciences, 10, 1287-1299. https://doi.org/10.4236/fns.2019.1011093