The beginning of the session saw Moderator Mr. Arun Mishra, Head Global, Health & Wellness, Regulatory Affairs, Unilever extending a warm welcome and introduction of the panelists.
Dr. Jagmeet Madan, National President, IDA shared here views highlighting as to why the micronutrients are relevant in these COVID times. She shared that it's not a hidden fact that India has been suppressed always under the triple burden of gross undernutrition, overnutrition & obesity, one thread that is constant across the spectrum is Micronutrient deficiencies or “Hidden Hunger”.
Micronutrient deficiencies have become more pertinent & apparent in recent times because we are looking at the relevance of these nutrients now at a molecular level. From cellular metabolic reactions to strengthen the immune system we now need the micronutrients more than ever.
Recent studies have emerged with some interesting findings on the COVID-19 virus & ACE-2 receptors concluding the nutrients that we need at the cellular level and that we need to emphasize, use it to our advantage to deal with the pandemic situation that we are in today.
She also highlighted that these micronutrients are very potent antioxidants & contribute to the anti-inflammatory requirements. She also highlighted the stark truth that no matter how healthy the BMI of an average Indian might be still inherently carries the risk of cardiovascular diseases and excess adipose tissue in the body which we also call “Lean Obesity”. The recent RDAs released have given us a clear and precise explanation of the nutrient needs at the individual & population level both focussed around macro & micronutrient requirements.
Vitamin C, D, Zinc, Omega-3, Vitamin E, A are all in the limelight when it comes to fighting infections, strengthening the immune system in these pandemic times at a molecular level.
Moderator Mr. Arun Mishra, Head Global, Health & Wellness, Regulatory Affairs, Unilever also enlightened us with the fourth burden which is very relevant in these pandemic times, and that is, the susceptibility to infections and diseases which has a large public impact in terms of the country’s economic growth.
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