Nestlé and milk fortification

Micronutrient malnutrition accounts for an estimated 7% of the global burden of disease across both the developed and the developing world, with the three most common forms concern deficiencies in iron (most closely associated with anaemia), iodine (thyroid dysfunction) and vitamin A (visual impairment in children). Deficiencies in zinc, calcium and vitamin D also contribute to many medical conditions affecting both skin and bones.

As the consumption of a balanced diet, adequate in every nutrient, is far from achievable on a global scale, and pharmaceutical supplementation through vitamin tablets and injections is only viable as a short-term remedy, delivering nutrients to large segments of the population through food is seen as the best long-term solution. However, working in partnership with local health authorities, Nestlé only fortifies products that are already regularly consumed by each target consumer group, and only to address an identified, pre-existing deficiency.

One particular range, our milk products branded around the world as Nido, Ninho, Nespray, Klim, Bear Brand and Ideal, are variously fortified with iron, zinc, vitamin A and other micronutrients, according to the deficiencies most prevalent in each target population.

For example, in Mexico, where many children suffer from a lack of iron and zinc, we estimate that more than 700 000 consumers will have bought Nido Rindes Diario, fortified with iron, zinc and vitamin A, by 2010. Similarly, over 2 million consumers in Brazil and Indonesia have been reached by iron-enriched Ideal since 2005, helping to reduce the prevalence of iron-deficiency anaemia in both countries.

At the end of 2006, these products – readily available in affordable formats to local populations – were present in 10 markets, and within three years, we hope to reach 11 million additional people in 50 countries, including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Mauritania, where iron, vitamin A and iodine deficiencies all occur in varying degrees.