Fortification solution to rising malnutrition threat in Madhya Pradesh [ Transfreez mobile refrigeration - India's most effective cold plate reefers ]

Madhya Pradesh is a growing state aiming at multi-dimensional developments. Food and nutrition security has always been the prime concern, and has had a special focus in the state developmental agenda.

However, the data provided for the period 2004-2005 by the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) present a gloomy picture of health and nutrition in the state. According to the NFHS -3 data, malnutrition among children under five is very high.

About 60 per cent children are underweight, and 50 per cent are stunted. The prevalence of underweight in children under five year of age is 51.3 per cent in urban areas. It is much higher in rural.

Children between six to 59 months of age are anaemic, whereas 56 per cent of married women, 70 per cent adolescent girls and 84 per cent pregnant women are reportedly anaemic.

Even though the Madhya Pradesh government provides Vitamin A, iron and folic acid supplements to ensure sufficient nutrition, still the availability/consumption of a balanced nutrient diet is a must.

It should comprise green leafy vegetables and fruit for proper physical and mental growth.

Nutrients like iron, folic acid, Vitamin A and B12 help us prevent

• Birth defects;
• Safe delivery reducing the maternal/infant mortality rate;
• Improves the IQ level and mental retention in children;
• Improves the work potential in adults;
• Prevents anaemia leading to healthy and happy family.

Food fortification is one of the widely-acclaimed and accepted solution to this grave situation of malnutrition, hence the Roller Flour Millers Federation of India together with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition have initiated fortification of widely-consumed staples like wheat flour and oil in the state of Madhya Pradesh. To educate the consumers and ensure the consumption of fortified foods, it is required that the media is invited to join hands and creates awareness and builds the acceptability of fortified foods among the consumers. 

Keeping in view the regular consumption of fortified foods, we can ensure at least one-third of the daily nutritional requirement. It is important that consumer is aware of the benefits of the fortified foods and is motivated to demand and consume fortified foods for which the media is to play a positive and active role. The media’s partnership is solicited to combat micro-nutrient malnutrition through fortified foods which provides a ready, safe and economically viable way out that has long-term and positive results.

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Source: fnbNews