Hidden hunger is prevalent worldwide – particularly in low- and middle-income countries – due to nutrient-poor diets of empty calories.1 In the fight against micronutrient deficiencies, large-scale food fortification is among the most impactful and cost-effective strategies.2
In fact, it can effectively improve micronutrient status and reduce the risk and severity of conditions such as anemia and neural tube defects.3 How? By adding or replenishing vitamins and minerals to staple foods, such as flour, oil, rice and more.
Rice
The primary staple food for about half the global population,2 rice can be enriched with vital micronutrients from iron to folic acid.1
Flour
A good vehicle for micronutrients such as, zinc, vitamin A, and more,1,4,5 flour fortification is so effective that it’s mandated in 91 countries.6
Dairy
Vitamin D-fortified dairy contributes to improved vitamin D intake and status,1,2 while DHA-enriched milk provides cardiovascular benefits.4
Bouillon cubes
Commonly used in soups and seasonings, bouillon cubes fortified with vitamins A, B, iron and zinc are cost-effective and affordable for lower-income populations.7
Sugar
As sugar continues to be widely consumed worldwide, some countries have mandated its fortification to combat micronutrient deficiencies, such as in vitamin A.
Instant noodles
Convenient and affordable, instant noodles have become increasingly popular and can be enriched with vitamins and minerals for added health benefits.
Vegetable oils and margarine
Commonly consumed oils like olive and palm can be fortified with essential fatty acids, vitamins and even water-soluble micronutrients like vitamins C and E.2
The fortification of staple foods, such as flour, is a well-established, trusted and proven method of addressing micronutrient deficiencies on a large scale, and in a cost-effective way. Learn more on how the process of fortifying flour works in our latest video.
We recognize the challenges involved in developing and launching cost-effective nutritional solutions that truly make a large-scale impact.
To support more successful interventions, we’re passionate about championing customizable nutritional solutions that meet industry guidelines, deliver outstanding quality, business sustainability and consumer affordability, and streamline food fortification initiatives.1,2
Our carefully researched and calibrated blends of functional ingredients support convenient and efficient food fortification with a single, homogenous product.
Fast-track your journey to create effective and efficient food fortification strategies with innovative ingredients and simplified supply chains.
20 September 2024
dsm-firmenich, leading innovator in health, nutrition and beauty, today announced the launch of Dry Vitamin A Palmitate NI – a new form of dry vitamin A – as a stable, clean label solution for combating widespread nutrient deficiency through flour fortification.
dsm-firmenich’s Dry Vitamin A Palmitate NI solution can overcome flour fortification challenges and combat hidden hunger.
Arlene Mitchell of GCNF shares insights on the impact and importance of school meal programs worldwide on International School Meals Day.
Explore key takeaways from the Micronutrient Forum 2023 Global Conference, including solutions to strengthen food systems and combat malnutrition.
1 Stevens GA, Beal T, Mbuya MNN, Luo H, Neufeld LM. Micronutrient deficiencies among preschool-aged children and women of reproductive age worldwide: a pooled analysis of individual-level data from population-representative surveys. The Lancet Global health. 2022;10(11): e1590-e1599.
2 World Food Programme, Food fortification: An effective and safe way to fight micronutrient malnutrition and its consequences, 2022.
3 Kancherla V, Chadha M, Rowe L, Thompson A, Jain S, Walters D, Martinez H. Reducing the Burden of Anemia and Neural Tube Defects in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: An Analysis to Identify Countries with an Immediate Potential to Benefit from Large-Scale Mandatory Fortification of Wheat Flour and Rice. Nutrients. 2021 Jan 16;13(1):244.
4 Our World in Data, What is childhood stunting?, [website], 2022, What is childhood stunting? - Our World in Data.
5 WFP, Food Fortification, [website], 2023, Food fortification | World Food Programme (wfp.org) https://www.wfp.org/food-fortification
6 Copenhagen Consensus, 2008 Copenhagen Consensus, [website], 2008 http://www.copenhagenconsensus.com/ copenhagen-consensus-ii.
7 P. Klassen-Wigger et al., Chapter 39 - Micronutrient Fortification of Bouillon Cubes in Central and West Africa, Food Fortification in a Globalized World, Academic Press, 2018: 363-372.
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