The Nutrition Society Of Nigeria has given a nutritional advise to Nigerians as the country continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr Bartholomew I. C. Brai, President, of the nutrition society, stated that the society remains committed to promoting the health and well-being of all Nigerians through adequate nutrition across the lifecycle.
In the nutritional advise, NSN said that while there is no evidence of transmission of the coronavirus through breastfeeding, mothers in isolation should be encouraged to express their breastmilk using a dedicated breast pump and observe hand hygiene and disinfection of pump and other utensils.
It also said that mothers should put on a facemask and practice hand hygiene before putting the newborn to the breast.
“Complementary foods should cover at least four food groups and be served warm. Recommended meal frequencies are 2-3 times a day for ages 6-8 months and 3-4 times a day for ages 9-23 months for a breastfed child. For a non-breastfed child aged 6-23 months, meal frequency should be at least 4 times a day to provide adequate nutrition.
NSN said that school-age children especially those in public schools and benefit from existing school feeding programmes, may be particularly disadvantaged.
Parents are advised to provide an extra meal per day for these children where they are capable.
The group also advised the Federal Government effort to sustain the school feeding programme during the lockdown and also
In its advise to adolescents and adults, NSN said micronutrients are critical for health and essential in strengthening the immune system, thus eat fresh and varieties of foods.
It suggested that in the case of food price hikes, individuals could select alternative foods to replace usual food items.
“Though transmission through food is not likely, proper food hygiene should be maintained. Handwashing should be observed after returning home, and before preparing or eating food. Food items should be washed thoroughly under running water or using vinegar.
“Presently there is no evidence on the efficacy of any dietary supplements or herbs in the prevention and management of COVID-19, every case should, therefore, be reported to the State Team for follow up and proper management.
“At this time, children should not accompany adults to the markets, shopping mall, supermarkets and other public places. Social distancing and home-stay should be religiously adhered to. This may lead to reduced physical activity with the resultant effect on energy balance, however, safe, home-based physical activities such brisk-walk within your compound, jumping jacks, skipping, push-ups, and running may be helpful, especially for overweight and obese individuals.
“Individuals are encouraged to make provision for own wipes and hand sanitizer where possible and use periodically,” NSN said.
For COVID-19 infected persons, the society urged the Federal and State Governments to ensure the provision and proper use of personal protective equipment and hand sanitizers by all health workers and support staff to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
“ Likewise, periodic disinfection of surface systems including doorknobs, doorways, tables, shopping cart/basket handles, elevator buttons and scales in supermarkets, market stalls, clinics, and other public facilities should be enforced.”
The Nutrition Society Of Nigeria added that government and other stakeholders must continue to make efforts to provide food and nutrition support to indigent households, intensify community management of acute malnutrition and similar ongoing interventions, and scale up existing social protection programmes especially for the older population.
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