Over 60 Nutritionists assert a micronutrient-rich diet in Chennai
Royal DSM – a global science-based company active in health, nutrition and sustainable living – on the seminar organised for the food and nutrition fraternity in Chennai. The event witnessed more than 60 nutritionists from Chennai highlighting current nutritional status of children and adults in Tamil Nadu
To stay healthy, it is imperative to eat healthy foods. But due to changing lifestyle practices and hectic schedules, the consumption of nutrient-rich food in people’s daily diets is virtually non-existent nowadays. To address the current nutritional status of children and adults in India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, and to publicise strategies to combat micronutrient deficiencies, Nu-Shakti, a brand from Royal DSM – a global science-based company active in health, nutrition and sustainable living – organised a conference for the food and nutrition fraternity in Chennai. More than 60 domain experts and professionals attended the seminar to understand the full implications of micronutrient deficiency among all age groups and comprehend the role of food fortification in combatting the problem.
In his keynote address, Dr. Rajan Sankar, M.B.B.S., MD, MNAMS, FICP Internal Medicine, Clinical Epidemiology - Program Director- Nutrition, TATA Trusts. said, Micronutrient deficiencies (also known as hidden hunger) are a major public health problem in India. These deficiencies have grave consequences and affect the cognitive development and learning abilities of children. Fortification of commonly-eaten staple foods such as rice, wheat flour, edible oil, milk and salt is a proven and cost-effective strategy to address nutrient deficiencies. Both the Central and State Governments are proactively promoting food fortification as a complementary strategy in the campaign against malnutrition.”
Addressing the panel on Eat Healthy to Stay Healthy – Role of Food Fortification, Dr Sheela Ramachandran – Physiotherapist (Musculoskeletal, Sports and Urogynaecology) – Director, Sheela Physio Care, Chennai stated, “In today's world, Food fortification is the intelligent choice to fight micronutrient deficiencies in children and adults. It is especially helpful in speeding up the recovery process in people suffering from overuse injuries" - Dr. Sheela Ramachandran, Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist.”
Speaking about the importance of food fortification, Ms. Meenakshi Bajaj, Former President, IDA chennai chapter, NEC member, India Dietetic Association said, “Food fortification is incorporation of vital nutrients for example the key vitamins and minerals iron, Vitamin A, Iodine and vitamin D to staple foods consumed on day to day basis by one and all. It is basically a complementary strategy to curb micro-deficiency such as anemia etc. Food fortification therefore is also a safe sustainable, simple and cost effective approach to fight these deficiencies across all age groups.”
Alok Kohli, Business Director – DSM India said, “Today’s lifestyle and food habits often fall short in providing a diet containing balanced and adequate nutrition. Therefore, it’s necessary to create more awareness about how home food fortification can prevent nutrient deficiencies and ensure a greater balance in everyday diets. In meeting this goal, Nu-Shakti provides innovative solutions to enhance the nutritional value of local foods that are affordable and accessible to all.”
In promoting the concept of food fortification, Nu-Shakti increases the micronutrient value of home-cooked staple foods. This can help consumers achieve a healthier, more balanced diet without altering taste or the appearance of food or changing dietary habits. Nu-Shakti’s product range includes Powermix for rice (fortified rice kernels), Powermix for atta (fortified atta/flour), MixMe (fortified orange-flavoured beverage mix) as well as Vitamins and Mineral Mix (micronutrient sprinkler powder).
Industry experts emphasised the importance of changing lifestyle and eating habits to stay healthy as well as the criticality of macronutrients and micronutrients. Dr Rajan Sankar, Regional Representative, South Asia – Tata Trusts, Ms Reshma Aleem, Chief Nutritionist – Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Chennai, Mrs Meenakshi Bajaj – State Convenor, NetProFan Tamil Nadu, Dr Sheela Ramachandran, Physiotherapist (Musculoskeletal, Sports and Urogynaecology) – Director, Sheela Physio Care, Chennai, were among the key speakers who spoke at length about food fortification and its role in preventing nutrient deficiencies.
Available at select modern trade outlets and kirana (retail) stores in Tamil Nadu, Nu-Shakti products have been introduced at affordable per-unit prices starting from Rs5. Consumers can know more by visiting: www.nu-shakti.com.
DSM – Bright Science. Brighter Living.
Nu-Shakti is a brand of Royal DSM – a global purpose-led, science-based company in Nutrition, Health and Sustainable Living. DSM’s purpose is to create brighter lives for all. Through its products and solutions, DSM addresses some of the world’s biggest challenges while simultaneously creating economic, environmental and societal value for all stakeholders: customers, employees, shareholders and society at large. DSM delivers innovative solutions for human nutrition, animal nutrition, personal care and aroma, medical devices, green products and applications as well as new mobility and connectivity. With approximately 23,000 employees, DSM and its associated companies register annual net sales of about €10 billion. Founded in 1902, the Company is listed on Euronext Amsterdam.
More information can be found at www.nu-shakti.com or www.dsm.com.
