Food Insecurity Contributes to Malnutrition in Children – Dietitian

Nigerians have been called upon to eat locally produced foods and ensure that they give balanced Nutrition to children, because adequate nutrition is critical for child growth, development and immunity.

The call a was made by Dietitian (Dtn) Oladipo Gbenga, Chief Nutritionist, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH, during the monthly seminar organized by the Institute of Child Health. University of Benin Teaching Hospital / University of Benin in Benin City.

According to him, in Nigeria and across Africa, Food insecurity contribute greatly to malnutrition.

Speaking on the topic, “Evaluating the Impact of Healthy Nutrition in the Development of Economically Deprived Children, Dr. Oladipo Gbenga noted that nutrition play key role in the growth of children and development, educationally.

“Over 90 percent of Children, aged between 4 to 13 years in some region do not meet daily needs of Zinc, and other vitamins.

“Animal protein is under consumed mostly due to high cost or cultural beliefs which contribute to poor intake of iron, zinc, vitamin B2 and Calcium. Iron needs are high especially in females,” he noted

The Chief Dietitian recommended the use of locally combined ingredients to address malnutrition in children.

The Chairman of the occasion, Prof. J.M Omoyakhi of the Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, UNIBEN, disclosed that adequate nutrition is key to child health and everybody should be conscious of what they are eating.

A former Director, Institute of Child Health, Prof. Charles Eregie also observed that because of the economic situation in the country, adequate diet is prescribed and the the use of breast milk should till the age of two years and we must encourage locally formulated paste.

The Director, Institute of Child Health, Prof. (Mrs.) Ayebo Sadoh also emphasized on the need to get the locally made products, which are cheaper and more nutritious.

“Many children are becoming malnourished. But if this locally combined mix can be produced in large scale, they may be recommended to mother’s.

“Our leaders and elites should show example by using this locally formulated products that are nutritious than imported food,” She added.