Abstract

Suboptimal intakes and multiple nutrient deficiencies of micronutrients are common in many countries. The importance of appropriate nutrition interventions to improve child health and development and good nutrition in utero has far-reaching implications for a nation’s economic development and the chance for people to prosper. A key objective of this review is to highlight the potential role of food supplements in supporting a varied and balanced diet and to help improve the nutritional status of populations around the world.

INTRODUCTION

Eating a healthy balanced diet is the best way to achieve appropriate intakes of vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients. However, areas of nutritional concern and population groups at risk include the elderly, women at various life stages, children and adolescents and people trying to lose weight. Messages about the importance of a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle should continue to underpin nutrition advice given to the public, but much more could be done to give consistent advice about the role of food supplements so that they form part of the strategic dietary advice for vulnerable groups.
Social, demographic, economic and lifestyle changes determine our nutritional status and nutrition is now recognised to be a major contributor to morbidity and mortality rates and to the development of the chronic, non-communicable diseases including cardiovascular diseases and cancers. Many governments and international agencies around the world already recognise the need for supplementation in certain vulnerable groups. Healthcare costs are expected to rise dramatically in the next two decades, and much more attention ...