Nutrition experts have advised parents to reduce spending on biscuits, sweets, and sugary drinks and instead invest in eggs to improve the health and development of young children.
The experts said giving children under the age of five one egg daily can significantly reduce the risk of malnutrition, support healthy growth, and improve brain development. They stressed that despite rising food prices, eggs remain one of the most affordable and nutrient-rich foods available for children.
According to the specialists, eggs contain high-quality protein, healthy fats, vitamins A, D, and B12, as well as essential minerals such as iron, zinc, selenium, and iodine. These nutrients help strengthen the immune system, promote healthy bones and teeth, improve vision, and support cognitive development.
Professor Beatrice Ogunba, a Public Health Nutrition expert at Obafemi Awolowo University, explained that eggs should be introduced during complementary feeding from around six months of age. She recommended that children aged two to five years consume one egg daily as part of a balanced diet.
She also urged parents to prioritize spending on nutritious foods rather than sugar-sweetened beverages and processed snacks, noting that sugary products provide little nutritional value and may contribute to tooth decay, unhealthy weight gain, and poor eating habits.
Another nutrition expert, registered dietitian James Oloyede, described egg protein as one of the highest-quality proteins available because it contains all essential amino acids required for children's growth. He recommended that younger children consume several eggs weekly, while older children can safely eat one to two eggs daily, depending on their nutritional needs.
The nutritionists emphasized that regular consumption of well-cooked eggs, alongside a balanced diet, can play a key role in reducing childhood malnutrition in Nigeria and ensuring healthy physical and mental development.
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