Experts urge Nigerians to eat eggs regularly to curb child malnutrition

Experts in animal science and nutrition have urged Nigerian households to make eggs a regular part of their diets as a way to tackle child malnutrition and stunted growth, Punch reports.

They also asked the government to subsidise poultry production inputs, including animal feed, to cut production costs and improve access to eggs.

The recommendations were made in Ilorin on Saturday at an event organised by the Animal Science Association of Nigeria (ASAN), Kwara State Branch, and the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Kwara State Branch, to mark the 30th anniversary of World Egg Day.

Victoria Chimezie of the University of Ilorin’s Department of Animal Production said eggs contain essential nutrients for children’s growth.

“The fact that cholesterol is present in eggs doesn’t translate to the fact that the cholesterol in your blood will increase by taking an egg,” she said.

ASAN Chairman Samuel Akanbi recommended one egg daily for adults.

PAN Vice-Chairman Adedayo Gawati said, “We are not saying eggs are affordable because the price has increased too, but what we are saying is that it is still the cheapest.”