Exploring Adolescent Nutrition: Insights from a Systematic Review Focused on Nigeria

Adolescence is a critical period for growth and development, yet for many young people in Nigeria, access to adequate nutrition remains a significant challenge. In our systematic review, led by University of Debrecen, Hungary and German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbrücke, with participation of Epistudia researchers, we delved into the dietary patterns, nutritional intake, and overall status of Nigerian adolescents. This work, published at the Journal of Nutritional Sciences,  brought to light the prevalent malnutrition among this vulnerable population, and highlights some areas that future research needs to tackle. 

Systematic Review Main Data
Our comprehensive systematic analysis drew from 102 observational studies, incluiding data from 67,844 adolescents across various regions in Nigeria. Some concerning trends emerged. Notably, 87% of the studies exhibited a high risk of bias, with none providing a truly national perspective. Instead, the data tended to focus on specific, often school-based populations, creating a skewed understanding of the broader nutritional challenges adolescents face in Nigeria.

Main Findings
Despite these limitations, the review painted a clear picture of widespread malnutrition among Nigerian adolescents, with dietary patterns often falling far short of recommended guidelines. Undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and a lack of dietary diversity were all too common, pointing to systemic issues in both food security and health education.Interestingly, while there was a significant amount of data available, most of it came from cross-sectional studies, which provide only a snapshot in time and cannot account for changes or trends over longer periods.

The Call for Higher-Quality Data
Perhaps the most important takeaway from this review is the urgent need for higher-quality, nationally representative studies. Without a clear, unbiased picture of adolescent nutrition across the country, it’s difficult for policymakers, health professionals, and NGOs to design interventions that will have lasting, positive outcomes. We must prioritize comprehensive, high-quality research that can shape meaningful interventions and policies, empowering the next generation with the nutrition they need to thrive.

Read more about our study here