Complan partners dieticians to fight malnutrition

Kraft Heinz makers of “Complan super milk” has collaborated with dieticians and nutritionists to tackle malnutrition amongst patients.

The company recently organized a symposium attended by dieticians and nutritionists, at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos, with the theme “Malnutrition in Hospitalized Patients, A Situation of Hidden Hunger and Macronutrient Deficiencies.”

The focal points of the symposium include the prevalence of malnutrition in hospitalized patients as well as solutions at preventing and managing the condition.

Speaking at the symposium which is aimed at exposing the prevalence of malnutrition in hospitalized patients as well as solutions at preventing and managing the condition, a professional dietician at the Dietetics department of the LUTH, Dr. Patricia Chima canvassed dietary advice and nutritional supplementations as solutions to overt malnutrition and malnutrition of patients during admission.

She highlighted macronutrients especially protein and overt caloric deficiency as well as micronutrient deficiency as principal culprits lacking in the patient.

According to her, “the consequences of these malnutrition’s to the patient include increased stay in the hospital brewing from steep reductions in muscle strength and respiratory function, decrease in physical fitness general apathy and fatigue.”

She said: “Malnutrition in hospitalized patients is a condition of global importance with Nigeria not been spared. To this end, I want to encourage dietary advice and nutritional supplementation which could be oral, enteral or parenteral depending on the state of the patient.”

The Medical Detailing Manager – Nigeria for the Kraft Heinz Company, Mr. Victor Rowland, reiterated that the role of Kraft Heinz Company at ensuring optimal nutrition for the populace was part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He described how formulations in specific company brands might help to address the condition as both a preventive and therapeutic intervention. He said “Kraft Heinz Company is keen at ensuring optimal nutrition for the populace as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility.”

The occasion was attended by leading dieticians and nutritionists pan Lagos.
Complan, a complete meal in a drink which have been recommended by doctors and dieticians for several years, was described as formulated with a balanced mix of 23 essential nutrients, essential amino acids and key micronutrients which help to improve wellbeing of malnourished hospitalized patients, as well as reduce the risks of hospitalized patients being malnourished with as little as two serves per day.