Ajinomoto Targets Nigeria’s High Hypertension Prevalence Rate

According to recent research, one in three Nigerian adults has hypertension, so Ajinomoto Foods Nigeria Limited has launched a healthier alternative to the usage of salt in food.

Communication officer, Ajinomoto Foods Nigeria Ltd, Francisca Ikediasi, who disclosed this during an Award of Excellence and symposium, organised by the Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN), in Lagos, expressed concern over the intake of salt and the incidences of high blood pressure (HBP) in Nigeria.

The average salt intake of a Nigerian per day is over 80 grams, Ikediasi said, while disclosing that the World Health Organisation(WHO) recommends five grammes per person per day. This is one of the factors responsible for the HBP, she averred.

Read Also: NCS: Nigeria’s Hypertension Prevalence At 30-35%

As part of its efforts to reduce the high prevalence of hypertension in Nigeria, the communication officer said Ajinomoto is produced from sugar cane fermentation and extraction of its juice while pointing out that there are naturally occurring vitamins in Ajinomoto.

Ajinomoto, a flavour enhancer, is considered a healthy alternative to taking salt in meals, she stated.

Speaking on fake Ajinomoto in circulation, Ikediasi said: “the fake of the product has been really where our problem lies and we are fighting it by our regulatory team.”

Ajinomoto is approved by Nigeria’s regulatory agencies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON).