Malnutrition is a global crisis especially in developing countries. Micronutrient deficiency is a "hidden hunger" and as such has been neglected over the years leading to malnutrition crisis. Nigeria is one of the developing countries that are experiencing malnutrition crisis. This paper therefore highlights scientific evidence of positive impact of micronutrients on human function and proven sets of nutrition intervention strategies as a stimulus for taking decisive action to combat malnutrition.

Background: Recent studies show increasing prostate cancer incidence in Nigeria. Significant correlations identified between diet and prostate cancer occurrence, indicate that low antioxidant status could contribute to the aetiology of prostate cancer. Methods: This cross-sectional study determined selected antioxidants (lycopene, beta-carotene and retinol) status of 10 (Experimental group) and 17 (Control) male adults with and without PC, recruited from the Urological Section of the Surgical Out-patients' Department, University College Hospital and the General Out-patient Clinic of the Ring Road State Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Demographic characteristics were assessed using a semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Daily antioxidant intakes were assessed and analyzed using 24-hour dietary recall, and an adapted version of the food database "Total Diet Assessment". Serum lycopene, beta-carotene and retinol were determined using High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Results: The mean age of the PC and the control (72.8 ± 6.2 years and 59.8 ± 4.8 years) was significantly different (p = 0.001). Mean daily lycopene intake (1408.4 ± 233.2 µg) of the PC was significantly lower (P = 0.030) than the controls (3862.3±316.2µg). The mean serum lycopene (19.8 ± 13.2 ng/ml), beta-carotene (43.6 ± 26.0 ng/ml) and retinol (362.2 ± 304.3ng/ml) of the PC were significantly lower (p = 0.008, 0.040 and 0.033 respectively) than the values (70.8 ± 49.8 ng/ml, 57.6 ± 47.7 ng/ml and 395.4 ± 275.6 ng/ml respectively) of the controls. Significant inverse correlations were observed between the dietary lycopene intake (r = −0.396, p = 0.041) and serum lycopene (r = −0.502, p = 0.008) with PC; while a significant positive association was observed between dietary intake of retinol with PC (r = 0.394, p = 0.042). Conclusion: The study has revealed low anti-oxidant status, and an inverse association between lycopene status and prostate cancer in the elderly men.

The increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria, like many other developing countries, has become worrisome. With the pre-existing health burden due to malnutrition, the challenges of low productivity, poverty, reduced economic growth and development are exacerbated. It is also a significant threat to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria. Several risk factors have been associated with this increased burden, including genetic, environmental, and behavioural. The rise in urbanization and globalization has undoubtedly had a significant influence on consumer food and drink preferences and choices. Many of the risk factors are preventable with changes in diet, lifestyle, alcohol, and drug use, among other measures. However, to prevent the growing occurrence of NCDs in Nigeria, critical and relevant stakeholders must work together with a definite agenda and concerted efforts to combat this challenge. This paper examines the roles of stakeholders, including global and national governments, industry, and consumers, and advocates a holistic and genuine commitment to measures that will fast-track the implementation of various recommendations such as WHO SHAKE and use of Front of Pack Labelling.

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