Fortified Powder Milk : Is the best carrier for Vitamins and Minerals?

(MENAFNEditorial) Lately, it is has become quite challenging for parents to get their school-aged children to consume nutrient dense, high quality diets which is crucial for adequate growth. In contexts where diets may be of poor quality or when children are not achieving adequate nutrient intake from their diet, international guidelines suggest using fortified foods in order to meet nutrient requirements. Fortification is the process of adding one or more essential nutrients to a food, and it aims to address to nutritional deficiencies.

Milk and dairy products are considered as essential to good nutrition in the diets of children as these provide a significant amount of energy and other nutrients. However, not all types of milk are fortified; parents are encouraged to look for fortified milk choices.

Fortified milk powder is an effective source of essential nutrients for children when consumed in appropriate amounts; it is considered a premium food source of high quality proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. Moreover, fortified powdered milk provides extra nutrition at affordable costs and helps eliminate nutritional deficiencies.

Powdered milk is a good vehicle for iron fortification, and when fortified as well with vitamin C, studies have shown that it improves iron absorption and reduces the rates of iron deficiency anemia in children. Dried milk powders can be successfully fortified with iron without affecting the original taste, texture, and appearance of milk, contrary to liquid whole milk; many soluble iron compounds cannot be used to fortify liquid milk because they cause rancidity and off-flavors.

Fortified milk powders with vitamin D also ensure better absorption of calcium for stronger bones and muscle growth in children. In addition, studies have shown that fortified milk powders providing the adequate amounts of Calcium, Zinc, Iron, vitamins D, A, C, and the B vitamins can help children meet their nutritional needs in addition to a balanced diet, especially during quarantine.

In times when you need to limit your outings during the week, fortified milk powder is easy to carry and comes in an airtight container that is hygienic, while preserving the product''s quality, taste and nutrition. In addition, fortified milk powder has a longer shelf life and can be stored for an extended period without loss of quality, even at room temperatures, when compared with fresh milk that is highly perishable and can lead to foodborne illnesses if not properly processed and stored.

International guidelines and studies recommend that children aged 5-12 years consume at least two cups of milk per day. There are several ways to encourage your child to drink at least two cups of milk per day; offer him one cup of fortified milk with his favorite wholegrain breakfast cereal topped with fruits and nuts; prepare a smoothie by mixing one cup of fortified milk with strawberries, a quarter of an avocado and few nuts.

When preparing fortified milk powder, use clean water and follow the pack instructions for a good reconstitution. Do not expose to moister and sunlight to avoid rapid spoilage.

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