In line with the growing trend for better health and well-being, the government wants to raise awareness of foods that have "added nutrients to improve food quality". As such, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched a nationwide campaign to make the public aware of solid food. In the same line, actress Sakshi Tanwar, in an advertisement, asks people to look for the "+F" symbol on certain food items to ensure that they "have added micronutrients to the formula for our health ".

"When buying wheat flour, rice, salt, oil and milk, look for the + F symbol. Solid foods contain added nutrients to improve nutritional quality and provide health benefits," the article reads.

Significantly, according to a study, more than 57% of children suffer from vitamin A deficiency, which may be symptomatic or present at a subclinical level. In addition, a high number of pregnant women and newborns are vitamin D deficient worldwide.

Considered one of the simplest and most sustainable public health measures to address the challenge of micronutrient deficiencies, food production is believed to be a cost-effective, scientifically proven and globally recognized sustainable approach to achieving a large number quickly. food delivery. system. We often lack many essential nutrients in our daily diet. Therefore, it is advisable to look for the "+F" symbol when buying the daily foods listed above. “The FSSAI mandated this logo to identify solid foods. These foods contain nutrients such as vitamins and iron added in small amounts. It does not make a difference in appearance, diet or taste," said Dr. Asma Lone, Clinical Nutritionist and Dietician, Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals.

What do these foods contain?

Some of the nutrients included in fortified foods include folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin E, iron, and iodine. "The advantages of solid foods include their low cost and their ability to prevent food-related diseases such as rickets. Apart from that, they are useful during pregnancy, protect the elderly, promote the growth of children and meet the general nutritional needs. This makes solid foods even more important in a country like India which is still struggling with malnutrition,” said Dr Lone. Dr. Lone points out that solid foods are limited in their ability to improve and protect your health.

“Fortified foods are usually heavily processed. Apart from that, there is a risk of vitamin overdose also. So fortified foods should be consumed within a limit. It is advised to check product labels. Experts also suggest not eating foods that have more than 200 times the daily recommended amount of any nutrient. Fortified foods should be one part of an overall healthy lifestyle. So, before adding fortified foods to your diet, consultation with a nutritionist or a dietitian is suggested. You should try to get as many nutrients as possible from unprocessed foods like fruits and vegetables,” said Dr Lone.