How food fortification is transforming global nutrition and health

Malnutrition is no longer restricted to the rural population, evidence-based research shows malnutrition is remarkably visible in the growth parameters of urban children

Nutrition is crucial to the goal of achieving world health and well-being. Throughout the lifespan, optimal nutrition is crucial for growth, development, and prevention of deficiencies, diseases, and disorders. Malnutrition affects millions of people, and is regrettably still a serious public health issue, especially in developing nations. Malnutrition is no longer restricted to the rural population, evidence-based research shows malnutrition is remarkably visible in the growth parameters of urban children. It is imperative to act now to prevent future generations from being more susceptible to diseases and disorders resulting from the chronic nutrition gap. Food fortification is one innovative and cost-effective strategy that has the potential to address these nutritional deficiencies.

For the goal of achieving global health and well-being, nutrition is indispensable. Complete optimal nutrition is essential for growth, development, and overall health throughout the lifespan. One creative and economical approach that has the potential to address these nutritional deficiencies is food fortification.

Malnutrition includes both undernutrition and overnutrition. Undernutrition results in stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies, whereas overnutrition causes obesity and chronic diseases linked to diet. The World Health Organisation has acknowledged that obesity places a dual burden of malnutrition on countries experiencing a steady increase in the prevalence of obesity across the economic diaspora. Both types of malnutrition place a heavy economic burden on societies because they are linked to poor health outcomes, stunted cognitive growth, and decreased productivity.

Food fortification offers a practical and efficient way to provide populations with essential nutrients, especially in areas where traditional dietary diversity is restricted or compromised. Common foods like cereals, grains, cooking oils, and salt can be strengthened to help bridge the nutrient gap and improve general health.

How food fortification plays a significant role:

Fortification of foods with essential nutrients is an effective approach to combat specific nutritional deficiencies. Micronutrients like iron, folic acid, vitamin A, iodine, zinc, and vitamin B12 play crucial roles in essential physiological processes, and fortification can help address anaemia, prevent neural tube defects, boost immune function, and reduce vitamin A deficiency-related blindness. Folic acid fortification in wheat flour and rice has successfully lowered the incidence of neural tube defects. Additionally, fortifying salt with iodine has proven to be a cost-effective strategy in tackling iodine deficiency disorders, while iron fortification of staple foods can combat iron deficiency anaemia, particularly in regions with limited dietary diversity.

Similarly, novel approaches such as food fortification at a home level can be achieved by adding micro-nutrients mix sachets to the food which improves the nutrient density of the everyday food of the consumer with minimal effort and no change in colour, smell and taste of the food.

Challenges & consideration:

Food fortification holds immense promise in improving global nutrition and public health. However, several challenges and considerations demand attention to the success of such initiatives. First and foremost, ensuring quality control is essential to guarantee that fortified foods contain the intended nutrients at the correct levels. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are vital to accurately assess the effectiveness and impact of fortification programs. To achieve widespread acceptance and adoption, raising public awareness about the significance and benefits of fortified foods is crucial. Lastly, implementing fortification programs requires significant investment in infrastructure and necessitates collaboration between governments, industries, and public health organizations. Addressing these challenges thoughtfully will be pivotal in maximizing the potential of food fortification and its positive impact on global well-being.

This strategy can improve nutrition and avoid related health problems by concentrating on common nutrient deficiencies. Collaboration, proper implementation, and ongoing evaluation are necessary for it to be successful. To ensure the success of food fortification initiatives, which will ultimately result in healthier populations and stronger communities, governments, policymakers, business executives, and health professionals must collaborate.

(This article is authored by Amarpreet Singh Anand, Amarpreet Singh Anand- Founder and CEO at Superfoods Valley)