Dr. Kanalio Olaloku, a nutrition expert from the Nestle Nutrition Institute in the Central West African Region, has emphasized the importance of incorporating essential micronutrient fortification into commonly consumed foods and beverages among vulnerable populations in Nigeria. To maximize the effectiveness of fortification efforts, she stressed the significance of ensuring that fortified products are both affordable and readily available.

Speaking at the annual symposium of the Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN), Dr. Olaloku highlighted the necessity of carefully calibrating food micronutrient levels to supply at least 15 percent of daily requirements, while also keeping them below the upper intake limits to prevent potential over-consumption and associated adverse effects.

In her presentation titled “Adequate Nutrition as Preventative Medicine,” Dr. Olaloku explained that malnutrition encompasses both undernutrition and overnutrition. Undernutrition results from inadequate intake of essential nutrients, leading to issues such as stunting, wasting, and underweight conditions. On the other hand, overnutrition arises from excessive food consumption, contributing to problems like overweight, obesity, and related health complications.

She pointed out that the World Health Organization classifies malnutrition to include these conditions, as well as deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, along with the diseases associated with them. Expressing concern over Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with poor chronic indicators, she referenced the WHO’s definition of nutrition as the intake of food in relation to the body’s cellular dietary requirements.

Dr. Olaloku reiterated that food supplies the body with energy, protein, essential fats, vitamins, and minerals necessary for proper growth, functioning, and overall well-being. Emphasizing that good nutrition and regular physical activity are fundamental to maintaining optimal physical and mental health, she underscored that optimal nutrition ensures that the body receives all the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals it needs to perform at its best.

“Generally, malnutrition refers to poor intake of food which may be an excess consumption of food (overnutrition) or inadequate nutrient consumption (undernutrition).

Kanalio lamented that the unregulated distribution of breastmilk substitutes, compounded by limited access to clean water during crises, significantly increases the risk of malnutrition and death among infants and young children.

Calling for prioritization of breastfeeding practices, she noted that provision of essential support can mitigate these risks and help bridge the gap between the most vulnerable and those with greater access to resources.