Maize flour not good for children, I insist
We now know that micronutrients deficiency and protein malnutrition are common causes of brain malnutrition (hidden hunger), leading to several severe consequences to brain development in children.
We now know that micronutrients deficiency and protein malnutrition are common causes of brain malnutrition (hidden hunger), leading to several severe consequences to brain development in children.
Extreme damage takes place between the second trimester of pregnancy and the first three years of a child’s life. However, damage to the brain continues up to the age of 14 years.
In sub-Saharan Africa, this problem far exceeds the total problems of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and disasters. In Uganda, if we go by simple indicators of malnutrition such as low birth weight (10% of births), iron deficiency (anaemia) in pregnancy (approx 15% of births) and stunted growth (40% of children), one can appreciate the problem of brain malnutrition.
Can you imagine that 40% of the under five children in Uganda have severe chronic malnutrition? Think of how many then have mild to moderate (sub-clinical, biochemical) malnutrition!
The summation of all these mild, moderate and severe cases I propose could possibly approximately 80% of the under fives.
This will make one understand the problem of brain malnutrition and its consequences to our society.
Most of the cognitive impairments as a result of brain malnutrition are noticed rather late in life, during school life and during work in adult life. The effects of malnutrition to the brain may lead to permanent learning and behavioural problems, with significant implications to the individual child, family, community and society as a whole.
The damage may come out as low IQ measures, attention deficit disorders, poor memory distractibility, exhibition of less cooperation, low test scores, dropping out of school, difficulties in job performance, less enthusiasm for play and exploration, poor vocalisation and increased fussing, etc.
The important nutritional culprits are protein, zinc, magnesium phosphorus, iron folate, vitamins A, B6, B12, C and D, calcium, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, selenium and copper.
Why did I comment on refined maize flour, commonly called nylon? This white powder staple is honestly near 100% carbohydrates. This is perfect for muscle power, not brain power in children. If given to children with little or no supplementation, for example, school porridge, it is filling children but with little brain results. Why not give children alternatives, for example millet, soya and sorghum, which are easily available in Uganda?
To add insult to injury, studies have shown that maize flour, even when unrefined, has a high phytate content, which contributes to mal-absorption of zinc in the gastro-intestinal track (GIT); (Sandstron et all 1989).
To remind Edward Okadapao and others, zinc deficiency contributes significantly to stunting and impaired cognitive development and is further associated with increased incidence and prevalence of infectious diarrhoea, pneumonia, and malaria, which worsens malnutrition (Brown K. H et el 1998; Zinc investigator collaborative group 1999; Shankar AH. 2000).
Why advocate such a maize meal, when less harmful alternatives are available? I’m writing a bigger article on the subject, because we must create awareness among our people about brain malnutrition and how to tackle it.
I had to respond in small dozes to Okadapao’ article, ‘Bukenya between a rock and hard place’ in New Vision of December 16. If such a person exists, I welcome him to in-depth discussion about the matter rather than for him to publicise his ignorance.
We must strive to develop our children into three-dimensional thinkers rather than two-dimensional ones.
Understanding what our children should feed on is very crucial.
And am I between a rock and a hard place? No, no, no, I am at home and dry and would strongly advise the Okadapaos not to insult their own intelligence if they are indeed three-dimensional thinkers.
Extreme damage takes place between the second trimester of pregnancy and the first three years of a child’s life. However, damage to the brain continues up to the age of 14 years.
In sub-Saharan Africa, this problem far exceeds the total problems of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and disasters. In Uganda, if we go by simple indicators of malnutrition such as low birth weight (10% of births), iron deficiency (anaemia) in pregnancy (approx 15% of births) and stunted growth (40% of children), one can appreciate the problem of brain malnutrition.
Can you imagine that 40% of the under five children in Uganda have severe chronic malnutrition? Think of how many then have mild to moderate (sub-clinical, biochemical) malnutrition!
The summation of all these mild, moderate and severe cases I propose could possibly approximately 80% of the under fives.
This will make one understand the problem of brain malnutrition and its consequences to our society.
Most of the cognitive impairments as a result of brain malnutrition are noticed rather late in life, during school life and during work in adult life. The effects of malnutrition to the brain may lead to permanent learning and behavioural problems, with significant implications to the individual child, family, community and society as a whole.
The damage may come out as low IQ measures, attention deficit disorders, poor memory distractibility, exhibition of less cooperation, low test scores, dropping out of school, difficulties in job performance, less enthusiasm for play and exploration, poor vocalisation and increased fussing, etc.
The important nutritional culprits are protein, zinc, magnesium phosphorus, iron folate, vitamins A, B6, B12, C and D, calcium, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, selenium and copper.
Why did I comment on refined maize flour, commonly called nylon? This white powder staple is honestly near 100% carbohydrates. This is perfect for muscle power, not brain power in children. If given to children with little or no supplementation, for example, school porridge, it is filling children but with little brain results. Why not give children alternatives, for example millet, soya and sorghum, which are easily available in Uganda?
To add insult to injury, studies have shown that maize flour, even when unrefined, has a high phytate content, which contributes to mal-absorption of zinc in the gastro-intestinal track (GIT); (Sandstron et all 1989).
To remind Edward Okadapao and others, zinc deficiency contributes significantly to stunting and impaired cognitive development and is further associated with increased incidence and prevalence of infectious diarrhoea, pneumonia, and malaria, which worsens malnutrition (Brown K. H et el 1998; Zinc investigator collaborative group 1999; Shankar AH. 2000).
Why advocate such a maize meal, when less harmful alternatives are available? I’m writing a bigger article on the subject, because we must create awareness among our people about brain malnutrition and how to tackle it.
I had to respond in small dozes to Okadapao’ article, ‘Bukenya between a rock and hard place’ in New Vision of December 16. If such a person exists, I welcome him to in-depth discussion about the matter rather than for him to publicise his ignorance.
We must strive to develop our children into three-dimensional thinkers rather than two-dimensional ones.
Understanding what our children should feed on is very crucial.
And am I between a rock and a hard place? No, no, no, I am at home and dry and would strongly advise the Okadapaos not to insult their own intelligence if they are indeed three-dimensional thinkers.