nan Salim-ur-Rehman

Food Fortification Strategy—Preventing Iron Deficiency Anemia: A Review

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a significant challenge in developing countries. It increases the risk of premature delivery and low birth weight. In children, IDA retards growth, impairs cognitive performance, and reduces physical activity. It also accelerates the mortality and morbidity rate in women. The key factors responsible include dietary elevated iron demand, socioeconomic, and disease status. To overcome IDA, disease control measures, dietary diversification, supplementation and iron fortification in food have been adopted. Iron fortification in food is considered a long term and sustainable strategy in the present scenario. For an efficient fortification program, the combination of iron fortificants and food vehicle must be safe, acceptable, and consumed by the target population. Moreover, it should not adversely affect acceptability and stability of the end product.

Efficacy of non-heme iron fortified diets: a review.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is prevailing around the globe at variable extent. To combat this phenomenon various strategies are popular. One effective strategy is food fortification. A number of reviews are available to discuss the bioavailability of food fortificants exclusively or in special dietary arrangements with specific food vehicles to access their performance in order to overcome the iron deficiency problem. However, little consideration is given to the efficacy studies of these dietary settings. This review is meant for discussing the efficacy of non-heme iron fortified diets.

Development, Characterization, and Optimization of Protein Level in Date Bars Using Response Surface Methodology

This project was designed to produce a nourishing date bar with commercial value especially for school going children to meet their body development requirements. Protein level of date bars was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). Economical and underutilized sources, that is, whey protein concentrate and vetch protein isolates, were explored for protein supplementation. Fourteen date bar treatments were produced using a central composite design (CCD) with 2 variables and 3 levels for each variable. Date bars were then analyzed for nutritional profile. Proximate composition revealed that addition of whey protein concentrate and vetch protein isolates improved the nutritional profile of date bars. Protein level, texture, and taste were considerably improved by incorporating 6.05% whey protein concentrate and 4.35% vetch protein isolates in date bar without affecting any sensory characteristics during storage. Response surface methodology was observed as an economical and effective tool to optimize the ingredient level and to discriminate the interactive effects of independent variables.

Food Fortification Programmes in Pakistan

Pakistan, with a population of over 180 million people, faces malnutrition as a major public health problem. Half of its children aged 5 years or less are stunted, over a third (38 %) are underweight, and a quarter of all births are low birth weight [1, 2]. This high level of malnutrition contributes to about half of the 7,40,000 child deaths occurring every year.. People are confronting vitamin A, iodine, and iron malnutrition worldwide [3]. According to WHO, 2.0 billion people are suffering from iodine (35 %) and iron (37 %) deficiencies, worldwide. However, the quotient is more in South-East Asia. Approximately 0.8 million deaths/year (1.5 %) may be ascribed to iron deficiency [4]. The combined impact of such deficiencies hampers socio-economic progress in developing countries. These have adverse effects on physical and mental health, work capacity, education, and economic efficiency of the population. The upshots of IDD include goitre, growth retardation, mental retardation, and increased neonatal and postnatal mortality. Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) impairs thyroid metabolism and reduces efficacy of iodine prophylaxis [5]. It may enhance maternal mortality, compromised development of motor skills and learning capacity, lethargy, and reduced immunity. Iodine and iron deficiencies that often coexist are established and globally identified as two of the four major preventable risk factors for compromised child development [6].