A Kaduna-based nutritionist, Mrs Jane Gwani, says proper nutrition in the first 1,000 days of life is key to the brain development of a child.
Gwani made this known on Saturday while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kafanchan, headquarters of Jema’a Local Government Area.
She said children who missed the 1,000 days of life without proper nutrition tend to become mentally retarded and unable to realise their full potentials in life.
“Once a child misses the first 1,000 days of life and his nutritional needs are not given, that child’s brain is retarded.
“And for life, that child’s Intelligent Quotient (IQ), and productivity levels are lowered, hindering him or her from being the best that they can be.
“But with exclusive breast feeding for the first six months, coupled with complementary feeding and care, the child grows to fulfill his God-given potentials,” she added.
According to her, proper nutrition is also necessary to reduce the risk of exposure to chronic diseases.
She encouraged nursing mothers to always eat nutritious foods to guarantee their health and wellbeing and that of their newborn babies.
The nutritionist also advised women to always prepare natural locally-available foods and vegetables because of their high nutrients.
“We don’t even encourage infant formula for children that are six months old and above, rather what they need at that time are local foods and vegetables.
“So our women should always endeavor to prepare their foods with vegetables and fruits that are in season for the good of everyone,” she stated