Experts harp on adequate milk intake to prevent poor health conditions

As Nigeria commemorates World Milk Day, experts have called for more intake of milk in adults and infants to improve health and prevent diseases.

The experts, who spoke at a health symposium organised by Friesland Campina WAMCO Nigeria Plc., makers of Peak Milk, to mark the celebration said adequate intake of milk is essential in reducing cardiovascular diseases, stroke, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, mental challenges, stress, as well as prevent osteoporosis and skin infections.

The World Milk Day, established in 2001 by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), is observed worldwide every first day of June each year, with the aim of recognising the importance of milk as a global food and to also draw attention to and address issues related to milk production, safely, consumption and economic, among others.

In his key note presentation titled: “Goodness of Milk”, Associate Professor, Department of Human Nutrition, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (UI), Dr. Ajani Sanusi, stressed on the benefits of milk, which he said supplies essential nutrients, increase blood flow to organs in the body and also acts as an important source of dietary energy, high-quality proteins and fruits.

According to the associate professor, milk is important throughout the life stages of humans, as it “ensures the growth and development of children, helps in ageing, treats and nourishes dry skin, rehydrates the body, provides relief from acidity, maintain proper oral health, support mental alertness and development, as well as developing and maintaining bone structures among others.”

Sanusi noted that due to deficiency of milk, women in developing countries, especially, in rural areas have been reported to experience “maternal depletion syndrome”, caused by closely repeated pregnancies and prolonged lactation.

Also stressing on the need for improved milk intake in diets, the Corporate Affairs Director, Friesland Campina, WAMCO Nigeria Plc., Ore Famurewa, said the company is committed to producing quality dairy products and driving awareness around goodness of milk as a nutrient-based dense food, supplying energy for human development throughout life.

She said milk help in preventing malnutrition in children in developing countries, while she urged Nigerians to include at least a glass of milk in their daily meal.

Famurewa, however, called for proactive cooperation with partners to drive the agenda of dairy nutrition on the national platform.