Experts push for fortified oil to combat deficiencies

Say significant number of women, children face severe micronutrient deficiencies

ISLAMABAD:

A staggering number of women and children in Pakistan suffer from micronutrient deficiencies, with iron, vitamin A and vitamin D deficiencies being the most prevalent. Alarmingly, over 9.9 million people in the country are afflicted with osteoporosis, of which a disproportionate 7.2 million are women.

The severity of these issues was highlighted during an awareness session jointly organised by Nutrition International and the Islamabad Food Authority on Tuesday. The session focused on the benefits of edible oil fortification, the widespread vitamin A and D deficiency in Pakistan, and the detrimental effects of consuming raw and unrefined edible oil. The event was attended by business organisations, representatives of edible oil mills, the health department and people from different walks of life. Deputy Director of the Islamabad Food Authority (IFA), Dr Tahira Siddique, was also present at the session.

Dr Tahira Siddique highlighted the authority's commitment to ensuring food safety and the fortification of edible oil, utilising all available resources to achieve this goal. She highlighted a pressing concern, stating that more than half of Pakistan's population of women and children suffer from micronutrient deficiencies, with iron, vitamin A, and vitamin D deficiencies being the most prevalent. This deficiency has severe consequences, as evident from a conservative estimate that reveals approximately 9.9 million people in Pakistan suffer from osteoporosis, with a staggering 7.2 million being women.

Consuming raw and unrefined edible oil is a leading cause as it can lead to heart disease, liver disease and other life-threatening conditions. Fortification of oil is a simple and feasible method to address nutritional deficiencies. Dr Tahira Siddique also reiterated the authority's stance on the sale of open and unrefined oil, stating that it is strictly prohibited. To enforce this, action will be taken against those involved in this illegal business she assured as she presided over a session where participants were informed about the activities to be undertaken in Islamabad.

The session aimed to raise awareness about food safety and fortification. Zonal Manager of the Food Fortification Program, Mubashir Sharif, elaborated on the programme's objectives. He explained that the fortification programme enables the addition of essential vitamins and minerals to food at a minimal cost, without requiring changes to people's dietary habits.

Imtiaz Ali Shah, Provincial Program Manager of Nutrition International, highlighted the risks associated with consuming open or unrefined oil. He highlighted that there are numerous reasons to avoid using such oil, citing its negative impact on health. Shah urged dealers to cease selling open oil, stressing the need to protect the public from fatal diseases.