Health experts have raised the alarm over growing cases of weak and brittle bones among Nigerian children, linking the problem to poor nutrition and low milk consumption across the country.
According to nutritionists, millions of children are not getting enough calcium, a critical nutrient needed for bone growth, strength, and overall development. The deficiency, they warn, is quietly undermining children’s health and increasing the risk of fractures, stunted growth, and posture problems later in life.
Calcium, the body’s most abundant mineral, makes up about 99% of bones and teeth. During childhood and adolescence — when bone formation peaks — adequate calcium intake is essential for achieving strong and healthy bones. Without it, experts say, children’s skeletal structures remain fragile and underdeveloped.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends an annual milk consumption of 210 litres per person, but Nigeria’s average intake stands at just 8.7 litres, one of the lowest globally. Nutritionists say this staggering gap contributes to widespread calcium deficiency and related health challenges such as rickets, weak bone density, and poor growth.
Chief Dietitian Nutritionist, Mrs. Olufunmilola Ogunmiluyi, described milk as “a nutrient-dense liquid naturally designed to build bone strength,” stressing that insufficient milk intake prevents children from attaining peak bone mass.
“Children under five who consume little or no milk are at risk of poor bone development and higher fracture risks later in life,” Ogunmiluyi warned.
She attributed the trend to poverty, food insecurity, and lack of nutritional awareness, noting that many households substitute milk and dairy products with cheaper, less nutritious options. Rising food prices have also made quality nutrition increasingly unaffordable for low-income families.
Experts recommend that parents incorporate calcium-rich foods into their children’s daily diets. Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese remain the best sources of calcium. For instance, low-fat yogurt with fruit makes an ideal snack, while milk can be added to cereals, pap, or smoothies.
Other calcium-rich alternatives include:
- Leafy green vegetables (like ugu, spinach, and kale)
- Canned fish such as sardines and salmon
- Fortified cereals and plant-based milks (like soy or almond milk)
These foods, nutritionists say, are both affordable and effective for boosting calcium intake.
Beyond diet, vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption. Sunlight exposure and regular physical activities like skipping, running, and outdoor play help children strengthen their bones naturally.
Ogunmiluyi also advised parents to reduce children’s intake of sugary drinks and processed foods, which can interfere with calcium absorption.
“By prioritising calcium-rich foods and encouraging healthy habits, parents can build a solid foundation for their children’s lifelong bone health,” she said.
“Mothers are their children’s first nutrition advocates — every healthy choice counts.”
She further noted that Peak 456 Growing Up Milk provides calcium in the right proportion for toddlers, supporting bone development and healthy growth.
