Micronutrients, food fortification, and human health

International Conference on Food Chemistry & Hydrocolloids

August 11-12, 2016 Toronto, Canada

Sunil J Wimalawansa

Wimalawansa Foundation, USA

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Exp Food Chem

Abstract :

Micronutrients consist of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements which are essential for health. The key micronutrients are iron, vitamin D, iodine, and vitamin A. Deficiency in any of these causes a unique disorder. These disorders affect half the worldâ�?�?s population with global public health implications. A better understanding of micronutrients, their chemistry and interactions would enable the development of cost-effective interventions for overcoming deficiencies. Micro- and macronutrient (malnutrition) deficiencies are linked to poverty and predominantly affect low-income minority groups. Common causes are inadequate dietary intake, poor access to healthcare, healthcare disparities, parasitic burden, unaffordability of nutritious food, household food insecurity, and intestinal absorption and environmental issues. Micronutrient insufficiency impairs multiple physiological functions and poses serious threats to health and development, particularly in pregnant women and children. The cost of adding vitamins and minerals to food is low (between 0.5% and 2.0% of the cost of a typical staple food). Nutritional interventions should be done through public health/nutritional education and food fortification programs through the health and non-health sectors (e.g., non-profit organizations). The cost for formulations that include vitamin A and D, iron, zinc, and folic acid is approximately US $10.0/metric ton. If an individual consumes 100 grams of such foods each a day (37 kg/year) the cost of fortification for the final product is US $0.42/person/year. For more complex formulations, such as the World Food Program (WFP) Corn Soy Blend (CSB Plus), the cost is US $1.0/person/year. The WFP calculates a minimum normal â�?�?food basketâ�? cost of approximately US $0.30/person/day, or US $110/person/year, less than 1% of the food in the basic food basket. Because the requirements for micronutrients vary in each country, it is necessary to develop knowledge-based, locally relevant food-fortification programs, guidelines, recommendations, and policies.

Biography :

Email: suniljw@hotmail.com