Fortifying iron for healthier future

Iron deficiency adversely impacts physical and mental health which leads to underlying life-long disabilities

Natural and fortified nutrients are absolute essential for the development of healthy growth amongst children and infants. The five stages of human growth, particularly the infancy, toddlerhood and childhood periods require crucial intakes of the right amount of nutrients to equip vigorous growth leading to adolescence and adulthood. Inadequate intake of nutritional diet since the premature age leads to prevalent health problems such as stunting and wasting.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA) is one of the major health concerns in Pakistan. Iron deficiency adversely impacts physical and mental health in children which leads to underlying life-long disabilities. Expectant mothers and women of reproductive ages are also highly prone to iron deficiency. Due to this, pregnant women are prescribed iron-rich medications to facilitate a healthy pregnancy and the growth of their unborn child. Moreover, iron and other nutrients are also vital for childbearing mothers to nurse their babies for up to two years at least. In fact, the need to ensure the availability of necessary nutrients from a younger age must be prioritised by public and private organisations in the country. It is imperative that children are given good sources of iron-fortified food and products such as red meat, dark leafy green vegetables, nuts, oats, etc.

Over the years, the evidence does not favour our nation when it comes to the prevailing situation of malnutrition. It is one of the alarming manifestations that has burdened Pakistan’s economy as nearly half of the children are chronically malnourished (wasted), declared by the findings of the National Nutrition Survey 2018 conducted by Unicef. According to a report by the Pakistan Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Secretariat at the Ministry of Planning Development & Reform, in collaboration with the UN World Food Programme, 3% or $7.6 billion of Pakistan’s GDP is being consumed by malnutrition by every year.

Admittedly, it is the need of the hour to start taking actionable measures to eradicate malnutrition in our country. It has been over 70 years since Pakistan has been struggling to provide basic nutrients to its people. Most specifically, the underprivileged are the victims of this unbalanced distribution of resources. To expedite the process of improving the dietary intake of the population, authorities should start focusing on pushing the fortification of micronutrients into basic food ingredients. 

Food fortification programmes have helped in greatly decreasing or eliminating micronutrient deficiencies in Europe and the US at the start of the 20th century. Since then, there have been numerous breakthroughs in research and technology to enhance the nutritional value of food and food ingredients through iron fortifications. Countries like Pakistan can take a leaf out of the book of these nations to eradicate malnutrition amongst their population.

Over the years, Pakistan has been partaking in bringing fortified foods and ingredients to the table. The food industry has introduced iron and folic acid infused stable foods in the market with edible oil/ghee, salt, wheat and milk being the most consumed ingredients by all income groups in the country. However, due to insufficient resources and education, the majority of the population is still deprived of basic micronutrients in their diet. It must be mandatory for parents to know that infants require iron-rich dietary intakes which can be found in natural as well as fortified foods. Fortified enriched milk powders and cereals are also another means to provide the right amount of iron to infants and toddlers. This can effectively help reduce anemia since milk is a major source of diet for children.

Despite the efforts being made by the food industry, there is still a dire need of attention required by the government for the elimination of the prolonged crisis of malnutrition. The government should prioritise the implementation of more effective policies to ensure and promote food fortification in the country.

Ultimately, collaborative measures along with the availability of proper nutrients to the masses can contribute to safeguarding a better and healthier future for generations to come.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 5^th, 2022.

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