AFRICA – A recent study conducted by the University of Bonn and the CABI Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, reveals that milk plays a crucial role in improving child development in Africa.
According to the research, children who consume milk products experience fewer instances of malnutrition and developmental deficiencies.
The study, published in the journal PNAS, analyzed data from over 32,000 child observations across five African countries—Ethiopia, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda.
As reported by Dr. Makaiko Khonje, a researcher at CABI’s regional centre in Nairobi, this is the first scientific study to demonstrate the significant benefits of milk consumption on child development in Africa.
The study focused on children aged five and under, with many children observed multiple times over several years.
The findings revealed that even occasional consumption of milk significantly reduces the risk of stunting in children, a condition that affects nearly 150 million children globally.
Stunting, caused by a lack of essential nutrients, leads to impaired physical and mental development and increases child mortality rates.
The study showed that the consumption of milk products alone was linked to a nearly seven percentage point decrease in the risk of stunting.
The researchers also found that milk had a more substantial positive effect on child development than plant-based foods alone.
While fruits, vegetables, and pulses were beneficial, they did not have the same impact on growth and development as milk.
Dr. Khonje noted that in rural areas of Africa, access to nutritious plant-based foods is often limited, making milk an essential source of nutrition, especially for poorer families.
The study’s findings highlight the importance of improving access to milk and other animal-sourced foods in Africa to combat malnutrition.
The researchers suggest that efforts should be made to ensure that children, particularly in low-income households, have regular access to milk to support their physical and cognitive development.
Dr. Khonje emphasized the significance of these findings, noting that milk can play a pivotal role in reducing malnutrition-related developmental disorders in African children.
This study is a major step in providing scientific evidence of the critical role milk plays in childhood nutrition across the continent.
The research was conducted with funding from CABI’s regional centre in Nairobi and the University of Bonn. The study was part of a broader PNAS Special Feature that explores the sustainability of animal-sourced foods and plant-based alternatives.
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