Why investment in micronutrients is critical for maternal-infant survival –Experts

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Why investment in micronutrients is critical for maternal-infant survival –Experts

Medical experts have advocated for investment in micronutrients to support pregnant women and under-five children, stressing that micro-nutrient deficiency in a child’s first 1,000 days till the second birthday is critical for survival.

The experts, who spoke to PUNCH Healthwise, held that lack of requisite micronutrients before pregnancy, during pregnancy and two years after childbirth amount to a denial of the right and elements required for a child’s optimal development.

Former Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research and the current President, Nigerian Medical Association, Professor Innocent Ujah, described micronutrients as trace elements in the body that are needed for the growth and development of fetuses, adding that their deficiency may lead to poor performance of a child at school, with death as the ultimate outcome.

The professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology noted that micronutrients often referred to as vitamins and minerals, are vital to healthy development, disease prevention and well-being, insisting that being fed with better and improved nutrition during pregnancy and after childbirth would forestall the loss of Intelligent Quotient in a child.

He said, “It is good to be fed with food containing iron, zinc, manganese and other trace elements known for optimal development. These are fat and water-soluble vitamins and macromineral elements, as well as trace minerals that include chlorine and molybdenum.

“They are required to build body immunity and improve well-being. Their deficiency may lead to some birth defects; increased incidence of infectious diseases occasioned by reduced body immunity; underdeveloped intelligence quotient, and reduced productivity.

“Definitely, micro-nutrient deficiency in a child’s first 1000 days to its second birthday may also cause susceptibility to malaria. Of course, it causes malnutrition, poor performance and in extreme cases, death may be the outcome.”

The professor noted that with the exception of Vitamin D, micronutrients are not produced in the body and must be derived from diets, saying, “Though people only need a small amount of it, yet consumption of recommended quantity is important. Better and improved nutrition in pregnancy and childhood is of great importance.”

Prof. Ujah added that nutritional deficiency is preventable through an appropriate type of food intake and dietary guidance from nutritionists.

According to the United Nations Children Fund, micronutrient deficiencies in children under -five can have devastating consequences.

It stated that, at least, half of children worldwide, younger than five years of age suffer from vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

UNICEF noted during the first 1,000 days, right from conception to two years, micronutrients are critical for the brain, body, metabolism, and immune system development.

The UN body warned that malnutrition during this time is associated with health issues such as improper growth, stunting and wasting.

“The baby will need adequate nutrition, strong bonds, safety and security, and a healthy environment to thrive. Receiving good nutrition in the womb is required for the child’s overall well-being.

What a mother eats will directly affect the baby’s metabolism, immune system, and organ development.

“Poor nutrition during pregnancy and early life can invite serious health risks such as obesity, heart disease, and stroke later on. Pregnant women should try to eat a well-balanced diet and breastfeed their babies for at least six months. After six months, complementary food should be started along with breastfeeding.”

Highlighting the importance of iron, folic acid, protein, fatty acids, iodine, and zinc in children’s development, UNICEF warned that any deficiency of these nutrients during the first 1,000 days can cause damage to a child’s full development.

“It would be essential for you to invest enough time when it comes to your child’s health,” it added.

Buttressing this point, the American Centre for Disease Control, in a report, stated that micro-nutrient deficiency in a pregnant woman adversely affects the future outcome of the baby unless it is addressed within the first 1000 days in the child’s life.

Affirming the importance of micronutrients, a Consultant Gynaecologist at the Havannah Specialist Hospital, Lagos, Dr. Ngozi Obiora, said the first 1, 000 days in the life of a child is critical as can determine a child’s potential.

“If a child’s body and brain develop well, then their life chances are improved. Good nutrition during this time has a profound impact on a child’s ability to grow, learn and thrive,” she added.