As part of efforts to eradicate the grave impact of malnutrition, such as stunting and wasting in the growth and development of children, experts have called on parents and healthcare providers to pay more attention to the nutrition of children’s first 1,000 days of life.

 

The experts, who spoke at the Paediatric Nutrition Symposium, held for healthcare professionals in Lagos, to address the importance and relevance of protein in child health and nutrition, said the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, which covers pregnancy and the first two years of a child’s life, was a crucial period for healthy growth and development in terms of immunity and brain development.

 

Speaking at the event, an Executive Board Member, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Professor James Renner, who presented on the theme “Shaping the future: Proteins in Paediatrics”, said the right feeding practices in early childhood supports the establishment of healthy eating habits, as early nutrition also impacts a child’s risk of becoming overweight or obese and developing related health problems later in life.

 

According to him, “breast milk is undisputedly the best nutritional start a baby can have. This is why Nestlé supports and promotes the World Health Organization’s recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of a child’s life, followed by the introduction of nutritious complementary foods along with sustained breastfeeding until two years and beyond.

 

“The first 1,000 days provide the greatest opportunity for securing a healthy and productive future through the right nutrition and feeding practices. Ensuring adequate protein intake is one of the beneficial nutrition interventions impacting long term health,” he added.

 

 

He therefore emphasized the importance of investment in nutrition for optimal growth of Nigerian workforce.

 

Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Mr. Dharnesh Gordhon, said adequate investment in Protein was a very important core business to engage in, and was a lifelong benefit both to individuals and country at large.

 

“This symposium has been put together for healthcare professionals with information on the latest science and developments in early childhood nutrition through publications, workshops, scientific conferences and digital media for the growth of the workforce of this nation”.

 

He continued: “We need to continually educate health workers on science-based nutrition because science is dynamic.

 

“Nestlé is committed to helping children develop their full potential and live healthier lives by providing science-based product solutions and education services, addressing specific nutritional needs of consumers – such as pregnant women, infants and toddlers.

 

“Studies have shown that inadequate levels and inappropriate quality of protein in infancy can lead to long term health issues, including obesity, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes,” he added.

 

He explained that continued education on nutrition for healthcare professionals was part of the company’s global commitment to promote good nutrition practices.

 

At the symposium, healthcare professionals were presented with new trends and approaches that show that breast milk protein was the most important nutrient for infants.

 

Also showcased was how the quantity of protein in breast milk and its unique composition influences all aspects of growth and development of children.

 

By Martins Ifijeh

This Day