Nutrition experts in Abia State have urged pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children to consume healthy diets prepared with fortified vegetable oil to support proper growth and development.
Dr. David Olayemi appealed on Wednesday in Umuahia during a town hall meeting organised by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition to advocate for phasing out unbranded edible bulk oil.
He emphasised the importance of a balanced diet, noting that meals should include the six major food groups in appropriate proportions.
“People must ensure that the food they consume contains the essential minerals and vitamins required for healthy living,” Olayemi said. “Before eating, ask yourself: is this food meeting my body’s needs, or am I just eating out of habit?”
The expert specifically highlighted vegetable oil as a critical component of meals and urged the public to prioritise branded, fortified oils containing vitamin A and approved by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
“Fortification involves adding micronutrients such as vitamin A to oil. Many of the oils commonly consumed lack these essential nutrients and are therefore unsuitable for vulnerable groups like children, nursing mothers, and pregnant women,” he said.
Olayemi called on traditional and religious leaders, as well as media practitioners, to raise awareness and educate the public on selecting safe, fortified oils to achieve optimal health outcomes.
Also speaking, Mrs. Nmerechi Ofoegbu, Chief Nutrition Officer at the Abia State Ministry of Health, highlighted the consequences of poor nutrition, including reduced immunity and stunted development.
“Nutrition is the science of food and its relationship to health. Good nutrition requires a balanced diet alongside regular physical activity,” she said. “Proper nutrition is vital for growth, development, and the productive life of every individual.”
Ofoegbu stressed the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life, noting its impact on brain development. She lamented that some mothers lack critical information, which can lead to stunted growth, lower intelligence quotient, and poor cognitive development in children.
“Our mothers must ensure that essential macronutrients, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and oils, and micronutrients such as vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K are included in their children’s diets for optimal health,” she said.
She further revealed that under Governor Alex Otti, the state government has approved the establishment of creches for infants and created a dedicated nutrition department within the Ministry of Health, demonstrating its commitment to the well-being of pregnant women and children.