Open AccessMilk Fortification with Vitamin A & D: A Need of the Hour in India
Author(s) -
B. Kishore Babu,
T. Pavan Sai
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of pharmaceutical research international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2456-9119
DOI - 10.9734/jpri/2021/v33i59a34297
Subject(s) - fortification , micronutrient , food fortification , micronutrient deficiency , vitamin , environmental health , fortified food , medicine , staple food , public health , food science , geography , population , biology , agriculture , archaeology , nursing , pathology
Micronutrient deficiency is caused by a diet deficient in important vitamins and minerals, and it continues to be a serious public health issue for many low- and middle-income countries' populations. Vitamin A and D deficiency is extremely common in India, affecting both young children and adults. With 146.3 million tonnes of milk produced annually, India is the world's largest producer, yet only around 9% of the milk is fortified with vitamins and minerals.
Milk fortification is one of the treatments for vitamin deficiency. Milk is one of the most nutrient-dense foods available. In India, it is a staple dish that is consumed by people of all age groups. Regular consumption of fortified milk led to an 18% reduction in diarrhoea, a 26% reduction in pneumonia, 7% fewer days with a high fever, and 15% fewer days sick with severe sickness. Out of 416 LLPD produced, about 198.4 LLPD gets fortified currently in India, reaching about 121 million people. There is still a significant gap between production and fortification. Governments must take appropriate steps to improve milk fortification and make India a healthy country.