Review Article
Year: 2018 | Month: July | Volume: 8 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 307-320
Food Fortification to Combat Micronutrient Deficiencies and Its Impact on Sustainable Development Goals
Lovedeep Nagar1, Harvinder Popli2, Aayushi Gupta1, Manish Ruhela1
1Research Scholar, 2Professor,
Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Pushp Vihar, Sector-3, M.B Road, New Delhi -110017
Corresponding Author: Lovedeep Nagar
ABSTRACT
Micronutrients are essential for the growth, brain and body development and for immunity against the diseases in minute quantities and include vitamins and minerals. These are provided by diet and external sources as the body cannot synthesize them. Micronutrient deficiency is a global health issue with malnutrition resulting in poor physical and mental development, mental retardation and blindness in the vulnerable population including young children, pregnant and lactating women and elderly. One third to half of the global population is affected by micronutrient deficiency affecting society in terms of unrealized potential and economic productivity loss. Food fortification is a safe and effective tool that improves intake of micronutrients and restores the amount lost during processing by providing key nutrients in food. The micronutrient deficiencies affect the sustainable development goals. The technological and regulatory factors govern the choice of any combination of food and food vehicle. The vast range of foods are used for fortification and some of them are cereals and cereal-based products, milk and dairy products, tea, fats and oils, beverages and the condiments such as salt, sugar and soy sauce. The fortification vehicles used in foods differ from country to country. For sustainable over the long term, the food processors require an effective program for monitoring compliance. The educational program creates awareness and helps people to teach about the benefits of food fortification.
Key words: Food fortification, deficiencies, micronutrients, sustainable development goals, regulatory.