Iron deficiency is one of the most common and pervasive nutritional disorders across the globe, affecting millions regardless of age or background. In Pakistan, this issue has reached critical levels, with almost 40% of women and children suffering from its debilitating effects. This silent crisis impacts nearly 22 million people, weakening the health and productivity of countless individuals and their communities.
Iron Deficiency Awareness Day offers a timely opportunity to confront the dangers of iron deficiency and explore how Sunridge Foods is stepping up to counter this pressing health challenge through its range of fortified products.
Iron deficiency has far-reaching consequences. When the body lacks sufficient iron, it can’t produce enough hemoglobin, resulting in iron deficiency anemia. This condition is marked by persistent fatigue, reduced concentration, and physical weakness—turning simple daily tasks into a struggle. For children, iron deficiency impairs cognitive development, hampering their learning potential and performance in school.
Pregnant women face heightened risks, as iron deficiency increases the likelihood of complications like premature birth, low birth weight, and, in severe cases, maternal mortality. Moreover, an iron-deficient body struggles to ward off infections, leaving individuals more vulnerable to illness.
In a country where malnutrition is a longstanding public health concern, the repercussions of iron deficiency ripple across society. A population grappling with malnutrition and iron deficiency is less productive, more prone to illness, and places significant strain on the healthcare system, affecting the nation’s overall progress and prosperity. Addressing this issue is imperative—not only to uplift individual health but to strengthen communities and the economy.
One of the most effective ways to counter iron deficiency is through food fortification, ensuring essential nutrients like iron are added to commonly consumed items like wheat flour, salt, chickpea flour and other essential staples . This approach allows people to receive necessary vitamins and minerals through their everyday meals, providing a seamless solution to the nutrient gaps in their diets.
Sunridge Foods has taken the lead in this endeavor, offering a range of fortified staples designed to bolster the nutrition of Pakistani families. By fortifying everyday foods like flour (atta), salt, whole purpose flour, chickpea flour, semolina and other staples, Sunridge ensures that crucial nutrients are available to every household, especially vital in a country where wheat-based products form the core of daily meals.
Through its Sunridge Taqatwar Pakistan campaign, Sunridge Foods has extended its impact to reach over 170,000 people, focusing particularly on underprivileged communities. Each month, Sunridge donates fortified products to pregnant and new mothers to combat maternal and infant mortality, ensuring essential nutrition is accessible to those who need it most. This ongoing initiative is part of a broader vision to provide long-term, sustainable solutions to malnutrition across Pakistan.
The benefits of fortified products like Sunridge atta extend beyond individual health. Regular consumption can enhance cognitive function in children, helping them concentrate better in school and participate actively in both academic and physical activities. For pregnant women, fortified foods lower the risk of complications, promoting healthier pregnancies and reducing maternal mortality rates. On a national scale, the availability and affordability of fortified products support a healthier, more resilient population, alleviating the broader societal burden of iron deficiency.
On Iron Deficiency Awareness Day, we are reminded of the importance of making proactive health choices. By opting for fortified products like those offered by Sunridge, families can make simple yet powerful strides toward better nutrition and overall well-being. Together, with a commitment to fortified foods, we can work toward eradicating iron deficiency, creating a healthier and more vibrant future for generations to come.
This article is written by Nageen Rizvi. She serves as Group Head Communications & Corporate Affairs at Unity Foods.
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