By Oluwadamilola Akinduro

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The rising cases of malnutrition among children are posing a serious threat to their physical and cognitive development, as many struggle to access balanced diets due to the soaring cost of food.

Experts who spoke with Weekend Hope, including a medical doctor, Dr. Victor Adefesoye; a registered nutritionist, Christianah Ogunsanmi, and a poultry farmer, Shuaib Dada, warned that poor nutrition could have lasting effects on children’s health and overall well-being.

Dr. Adefesoye explained that inadequate nutrition not only stunts physical growth but also affects brain development, making children more susceptible to illnesses and learning difficulties.

“This deficiency not only stunts physical growth, but also hampers cognitive development,” he noted.

He stressed that malnutrition is not just about  lack of protein but also the absence of other vital nutrients like carbohydrates, which provide essential energy.

He said:”Insufficient energy-producing foods, like carbohydrates, also contribute to this problem. Conditions such as kwashiorkor, marasmus, and marasmic kwashiorkor are linked to malnutrition,” .

With food prices soaring, many families can no longer afford nutritious meals, leaving children vulnerable to infections, stunted growth, and weakened immunity.

“The lack of energy results in low productivity, poor growth, weakness, and anaemia in children, further straining parents,” Dr. Adefesoye added.

To address the crisis, he urged parents to explore locally available and  affordable alternatives.

“Fruits and local greens can provide essential proteins. Soybeans, soya milk, and local poultry eggs are affordable alternatives. Even snails from rivers or forests can be excellent protein sources for growing children,” he suggested.

Registered nutritionist, Christianah Ogunsanmi, pointed out that while the government and international organisations have introduced food fortification and supplementation programmes, they are not enough to tackle the growing crisis.

“Inadequate protein in children leads to reduced growth rates, muscle wasting, and weakened physical strength. It also affects brain development and cognitive functions, causing behavioural issues such as anxiety and mood swings. It’s crucial to ensure children receive adequate protein for optimal development,” she said.

She urged parents to embrace cost-effective protein sources such as beans, meat, and peas while calling on the government to implement policies that make nutritious food more affordable.

Poultry farmer, Shuaib Dada Wahab, attributed the high cost of eggs to factors such as the rising cost of imported feed, disease outbreaks, and security challenges affecting food production and transportation.

These constraints, he noted, have worsened food inflation, making it even harder for families to provide the necessary nutrients for their children’s growth and development.