Why 50% Of Nigerian Women Suffer From Anaemia

According to research, the typical Nigerian diet is low in iron-rich foods, and these dishes which are passed down to other generations increases the health risks of women, who are supposedly managers of the home.

Professor Ngozi Nnam, stated that the commonly consumed traditional dishes may not provide sufficient iron to meet the requirements and it may be a challenge to manipulate these recipes as they are passed down from generation to generation.

However women are encouraged to start making meals with balanced nutrients and these new traditions, which reduces the risks of defficiencies associated with low iron and lack of other vital nutrients, can be passed down to their children. This would improve on the eating lifestyle of generations beyond.

According to Professor Ngozi Nnam, “Pregnant women, teenage girls and women of reproductive age are among the most vulnerable to iron deficiency anaemia because of high iron requirements. Increasing iron intake during adolescence to prepare for pregnancy is crucial to decreasing the risk of iron deficiency anaemia and negative birth outcomes.”