Report reveals protein deficiency in Nigeria

…Harps on need for protein in every diet   The Nigeria Protein Deficiency Report has revealed that carbohydrates are the most consumed food among Nigerians; leaving many deficient in protein. The report which is the result of a nationwide survey conducted in 2019 shows that rice tops the list of foods consumed among Nigerians, with […]

…Harps on need for protein in every diet

 

The Nigeria Protein Deficiency Report has revealed that carbohydrates are the most consumed food among Nigerians; leaving many deficient in protein.

The report which is the result of a nationwide survey conducted in 2019 shows that rice tops the list of foods consumed among Nigerians, with 91 per cent, and closely followed by “swallows” such as eba, pounded yam, fufu and amala at 83 per cent.

A key feature of the survey which was geared towards determining the current protein deficiency in Nigeria also shows that the most important determining factors on the choice of meal consumed in the country are availability at 79 per cent, and affordability at 68 per cent.

High cost has been identified as a major disincentive for the consumption of most protein food sources. 51 per cent of respondents do not have adequate protein-rich foods due largely to the relatively high cost.

Experts say inadequate amounts of protein in diets lead to protein deficiency; which is today a major cause of malnutrition, especially among children.

In Nigeria, several reports indicate that protein deficiency poses not only a major health problem, but also an economic and social burden. It is the most important risk factor for illnesses and death, with millions of pregnant women and young children particularly affected.

The unveiling of the report was part of the launch of the Nigeria Protein Deficiency Awareness Campaign by the United States Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and other partners in the country.

The campaign tagged: “Protein Challenge”, is a protein-pull media campaign aimed at creating awareness about the prevalence, status and impact of protein deficiency in Nigeria.

In a statement, the group said the goal of Protein Challenge was to create wide-spread awareness about the benefits of protein and encourage all Nigerians to embrace its regular consumption regardless of the source as: “All protein is good protein.”

The campaign focuses on the health benefits of regular intake of protein in the diet and will contribute to ceffort to improve the quality, quantity and consistency of the different types of proteins consumed across Nigeria.

It also strives to position soybeans as the most cost-effective protein source that is available, not just for humans, but also as feed for livestock and aquaculture.

The group said the campaign website with updates on latest protein, nutrition and agriculture content boasted of a wide range of protein and soybean-based recipes and a growing archives of photos and videos for Nigerians.