Nutritional Hazards of Food Taboos in Nigerian Society

ABSTRACT Food shortages and nutritional deficiencies are not uncommon in most developing nations including Nigeria, and these appear to be worsen by cultural food prejudice, practices, taboos and beliefs. Common food taboos affect the nutrient (especially protein) intake by children and so, suffer most. Food taboos should be discouraged because there are no sound justifications for such cultural practices, and children should be allowed to have adequate nutrition for the maintenance of health, growth, and proper development. The lay public should be educated in order to persuade them to have changing attitudes that will enhance children’s adequate nutrition and keep them healthy “today” for “tomorrow’s” hope.