Miller Magazine Issue 137 May 2021

84 ARTICLE MILLER / may 2021 Good immune health is one of the key pillars of over- all health and wellbeing, and consumer awareness of its importance has only increased during COVID-19. In fact, it has become a top consumer priority; a recent DSM sur- vey, that interviewed 18,000 consumers across 24 coun- tries, found that 60% of people worldwide now worry about their immunity, and 40% are concerned about their resistance to epidemic disease. The pandemic is also likely to generate new pockets of food insecurity and could increase world hunger by 12% to 20% (83 to 132 million people). Rising malnutrition rates mean that peo- ple, particularly the most vulnerable population groups like women and children, may be more susceptible to infection due to weakened immune systems. At a time when immune health is so crucial, it is important that the public and private sectors come together to help sup- port immunity on a global scale. One of the most effective ways to accomplish good immune health is through optimal nutrition. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) recent dietary guidance, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, states that good nutrition is crucial for health, especially in times when the immune system might need to fight back. A balanced diet that provides both sufficient calories and micronutri- ents can play a significant role in optimizing the immune system, with vitamins A, B6, B12, D, E, folic acid, zinc, iron and magnesium being particularly important. However, the recommended amounts of these vita- “It has never been more important for millers, rice brand owners, private sector part- ners, governments, donors and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to work to- gether and find long-term solutions that combat malnutrition and improve immune health globally. From large-scale public health nutrition strategies, and school feeding and workforce nutrition programs, to accessible commercial products, fortified rice can be implemented into the daily diets of millions of people across the world to support their immune systems, helping to keep the world’s growing population healthy.” Rice fortification: A real opportunity for combating malnutrition and supporting immune health globally Yannick Foing Global Lead Nutrition Improvement, DSM