Nutrition experts have warned parents against giving children instant noodles as their main meal, saying the popular food does not contain enough nutrients for proper growth.
Former President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Prof. Wasiu Afolabi, explained that noodles are mostly made from cereals.nd only provide energy, not the protein, vitamins, and minerals children need.
“Instant noodles are made mainly from cereals, so what they provide is primarily energy. As nutritionists, we do not recommend instant noodles as an adequate food for children. If consumed regularly, they can dominate a child’s diet without providing the full range of nutrients required for growth,” Afolabi told PUNCH Healthwise.
He said parents should add eggs, vegetables, and other foods when serving noodles to make them more nutritious.
“Children need not just energy, but also protein, vitamins, and minerals. A rule in nutrition is: the more colours in the diet, the healthier it is,” he added.
Afolabi warned that depending too much on noodles can cause malnutrition.
“In the short term, such children will not grow well and will fall sick more often. In the long term, they may suffer stunted growth, poor immunity, frequent illnesses, and may never reach their full physical or mental potential,” he said.
He advised parents to focus on variety in meals and consider affordable alternatives.
“If cowpeas (beans) are costly, other legumes can be considered. Parents should also explore local foods that are indigenous and affordable,” he suggested.
He also encouraged backyard farming to reduce costs and improve nutrition.
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Prof. Beatrice Ogunba, a Public Health Nutritionist at Obafemi Awolowo University, also cautioned mothers on unhealthy complementary feeding for babies after six months of exclusive breastfeeding.
She said the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF have classified instant noodles, sugary drinks, fried snacks, sweets, and pastries as unsafe for infants.
“The recommendation is one vegetable serving with every meal in the target age,” she explained.
Ogunba warned that poor complementary feeding is a major cause of malnutrition in Nigerian children under five.
“Mothers should not joke about the nutrition of their babies. Malnutrition usually sets in during this period,” she said.