Exclusive: Nutritionist warns parents against giving African star apples (agbalumo) to children under five, gives reason

A renowned dietitian nutritionist, Ms. Folashade Babatunde has cautioned parents against giving African star apples, locally known as Agbalumo in Nigeria, to children below the age of five.

While the fruit is celebrated for its nutritional benefits, including high levels of vitamin C, ascorbic acid, calcium, phosphorus, and iron, Mrs. Babatunde highlighted the potential choking hazard posed by its seeds.

Agbalumo, known for its small size and reddish colour, is also low in calories and rich in fibre. However, the nutritionist emphasized that the seeds can be dangerous for young children, potentially leading to life-threatening choking incidents.

She advised parents to remove the seeds before offering the fruit to kids and to ensure the seeds are properly disposed of to prevent children from picking them up and putting them in their mouths while playing.

In a statement, Ms. Babatunde wrote, “Don’t give children below 5 years ‘agbalumo’ with seeds. The seeds can cause choking in kids. Remove the seeds before offering them the fruit. Also, make sure the seeds are properly disposed of to prevent your little kids from picking and putting them into their mouths while playing. Choking in children can be deadly.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, choking occurs when an object blocks the throat or windpipe, cutting off oxygen to the brain. Symptoms include the inability to talk, strained or noisy breathing, weak or forceful coughing, bluish or greyish skin, lips, and nails, and loss of consciousness. Choking is particularly dangerous for young children, who are more likely to choke on small objects.

The registered dietitian nutritionist’s warning serves as a crucial reminder for parents to prioritize safety while introducing nutritious foods to their children.