Posted on February 04, 2022

Wholesome nutrition is the goal

Category:Nutrition

According to the Food and Agricultural Organization figures, more than 820 million people in the world were hungry in 2018. In sub-Saharan Africa, there were 239 million undernourished people, with a prevalence of 22.8% as measured by the Prevalence Of Undernourishment. In Uganda, 12% of the population is chronically food insecure and is scattered in Karamoja, Teso, and Acholi regions due to poor rainfalls in the regions. The solutions to malnourishment have been dietary changes to focus on foods high in energy and nutrients, support for families, treatment of underlying illness, and vitamin and mineral supplementation for populations; especially the special group for whom the need is high.

The dietary or nutritional supplements don’t replace food and they are not a substitute for a balanced healthy diet; one that includes vegetables and fruits, whole grains, adequate proteins, and healthy fats. Dietary supplements, like multivitamin formulations, deliver nutrients that may not be consumed in sufficient quantities, or mineral vitamins that are specific for an age group or are meant to handle specific deficiencies or special needs.

Some of the groups that may benefit from supplementation include People over the age of 50 (Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, folate), Women of childbearing age (Folic acid, Vitamin D and possibly iron), Children under 5 (Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D especially for children with low appetites), Breastfeeding individuals (Vitamin D), Vegans (Vitamin B12), People with insufficient sun exposure (Vitamin D).

Dietary or Nutritional supplements are not generally included in food-based guidelines for the population and are often reserved for dietitians' or doctor’s recommendations, for those to whom supplementation is helpful even with access to a balanced diet.

The use of dietary supplementation has risen over the years due to busier schedules that have hampered healthy eating, but there have been risks involved in supplementation.

Supplements may lead to excessive nutrient intake which can at times cause grave health risks; the risk of high vitamin A effects in pregnant women. And so it is advisable that an individual should speak to their doctors to ascertain the need for supplementation and also determine the best supplements.

Even though specific groups are advised to take specific supplements, the overall message is that one sticks to a healthy balanced diet carefully reads the labels of supplements and fortified foods, and avoids taking multiple doses that exceed the recommended daily Amounts (RDAs). Talk to a medical professional for the best possible options.