In the ongoing battle against malnutrition—a condition that affects millions worldwide and has dire health consequences—Professor Grace Taiwo Otitoju is expending her expertise through innovative food product development.
Based at Federal University Wukari, Nigeria, and also serving as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Texas Tech University, USA, Professor Otitoju is advocating for nutrient-dense food products as a sustainable solution to malnutrition, particularly in underserved communities.
“Malnutrition, a global crisis that most severely affects vulnerable populations in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, is not just a health issue but a social one. This Condition, characterized by deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in nutrient intake, leads to stunted growth, exacerbates health issues, and increases mortality rates,” Professor Otitoju explains.
With over two decades of research in nutrition, Professor Otitoju focuses on the development of food products that meet dietary needs while ensuring food security and safety.
She mentions that “her approach involves adding value to local food products through innovative product development and developing community nutrition strategies, with a special focus on maternal and child nutrition.” One of her key initiatives is the formulation of complementary foods rich in essential nutrients and affordable for local populations.
She achieves this by using locally sourced ingredients like Bambara nuts, carrots, African yam beans, and sweet potatoes to create fortified food products that address micronutrient deficiencies prevalent in Nigeria. “These nutrient-dense food products help combat malnutrition and support local farmers and economies,” Professor Otitoju adds, underscoring the sustainability of her approach.
Professor Otitoju’s efforts exemplify the integration of science with humanitarian goals, inspiring future nutritionists and food scientists to continue addressing global malnutrition challenges.
