Ogun: Experts in the nutrition industry have called for more education on the importance of Nigerians, especially pregnant women, eating healthily within their means. The experts called for adequate and appropriate nutrition at the Nutrition for All Life Stages workshop, organised for journalists by Nestle Nigeria at its Agbara factory in Ogun.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, a dietitian facilitator, Dr Pat Chimah-Madubuko, emphasised the intake of food rich in macro and micronutrients in the right proportion throughout the entire human life cycle. Chimah-Madubuko highlighted that a pregnant woman provides nutrition for herself and her growing baby, stressing the necessity for proper nutrition. She explained that a pregnant woman’s energy requirements increase as her pregnancy progresses, emphasizing the importance of feeding correctly, especially for women who are already overweight before conception, countering the belief that they need to ‘eat for two.’
Dr Kanalio Olaloku of the Nestle Nutrition Institute, Central West Africa Region, addressed the issue of malnutrition, noting its close association with poverty in Nigeria. According to her, malnutrition manifests in various forms, including overweight, underweight, wasted, and stunted conditions, and has become a pressing issue, particularly in the North-East of Nigeria. Citing the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Olaloku warned that the number of children suffering from acute malnutrition is expected to rise to two million in 2025.
Olaloku suggested that diversifying diets, deworming, and fortifying foods are essential strategies for promoting good health. She mentioned that over 95 per cent of Nestle’s products have been fortified to meet daily nutritional needs, addressing common deficiencies such as Iron, Vitamin A, Zinc, and Iodine, along with other nutrients like Vitamin C, Calcium, and Phosphorus. Olaloku called for increased awareness regarding the importance of iron and the severe impact of Iron Deficiency Anaemia, highlighting Nestle’s collaborative efforts to promote better eating choices.
Meanwhile, the Corporate Affairs Manager of Nestle Nigeria, Ms Toju Egbebi, stated that the workshop aimed to enlighten journalists on nutrition and wellness issues across all age groups. Egbebi affirmed Nestle’s commitment to providing healthy nutrition for all and fostering a safe environment and partnerships for sustainability.