Milk Fortification with Vitamin A & D: A Need of the Hour in India
B. Kishore Babu *
K L Business School, KLEF, Vaddeswaram, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India.
T. Pavan Sai
K L Business School, KLEF, Vaddeswaram, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
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.
Keywords: Milk fortification, vit. A & D, Vit.A & D deficiencies India