Affordable nutrition is one of today’s major public health issues. Indeed, to combat malnutrition and obesity, action must be taken to reduce inequalities. Healthy food must be affordable and accessible to all. What solutions can be implemented? And how can we respond to this problem?

The nutritional challenge facing developing countries

Today, malnutrition is still very present in the world. Undernourishment and obesity coexist behind this term. Actually, in the world:

• • 1 person out of 9 suffers from hunger
• • 1 person out of 3 is overweight or obese^[1]

In addition, 2 million people suffer from “hidden malnutrition”.^[2] This term refers to micronutrient deficiencies that occur when the quality of food consumed does not meet the nutrient requirements. These people do not ingest the essential vitamins and minerals they need for growth and development.

2 million people suffer from “hidden malnutrition”.

Figure 1: Where do children with hidden malnutrition live?^[3]

Beyond malnutrition, another phenomenon is involved: the existence of food deserts. This particularly concerns cities and rural areas. These areas lack easy access to the products necessary for a good diet, such as fresh and nutritious products.

It is therefore important to transform food and health systems. Indeed, to combat these inequalities, it is necessary to ensure that healthy and sustainable food is the most accessible and affordable nutrition choice for all. Food diversification is also a solution.

Governments are also becoming aware of the importance of nutrition. A shift in regulations is gradually taking place, like in the Middle East. For example, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are taking action against added sugars by creating taxes on sweet products.

The demand and benefits of dairy products

As part of a balanced diet, dairy products are essential foods. In developing countries, such as in Africa and the Middle East, the demand for dairy products is increasing. Although impacted by low incomes, consumption has increased by 2 to 3% per year since 2018 in Africa, depending on the country^[4].

In these countries, there is a growing awareness of health and the role of food. This is the nutritional transition. Consumers are attached to a varied and healthy diet, which includes dairy products. Indeed, they provide vitamins D and A, four B vitamins, proteins, phosphorus, and the most well-known: calcium.

Figure 2: The place of micronutrients in a healthy diet^[5]

To combat “hidden malnutrition” in these countries, products enriched with micro-nutrients are also offered. Fortified with essential nutrients such as vitamins or iron, they can be used to target children or people at risk, such as pregnant women.

To combat “hidden malnutrition” in these countries, products enriched with micro-nutrients are also offered.

Interests of fat-filled milk powders

Lactalis Ingredients offers vitamin-enriched milk powders or fat-filled milk powders.

Vitamin-enriched whole milk powder

Whole milk powder is obtained by removing water from pasteurized milk by spray drying. In dry form, this powder offers all the nutritional qualities of milk and may contain 26% to 40% milk fat. As for enriched milk powders, there are many uses: reconstituted milk products, confectionery, pastries, and more.

Specifically, this milk powder can be fortified with vitamins, especially vitamins A and D. This allows it to be repackaged for direct use by the consumer. This is the case of Lactalis Ingredients Super Instant whole milk powder. Thanks to an excellent wettability and dispersibility this powder is perfect for reconditioning and dry mixing.

Fat-filled milk powder

Fat-filled milk powders are obtained by spray-drying skimmed milk mixed with vegetable fat. This fat is selected according to its nutritional profile. Lactalis Ingredients is careful to choose vegetable fats without trans fatty acids.

Fat-filled milk powder is particularly suited to meet the growing demand for dairy products from consumers in developing countries. Fat-filled milk powders are an affordable nutrition alternative to whole milk that can be used in many preparations: dairy drinks, yoghurts, and as a whitener for tea and coffee. In powder form, this product has optimal storage and transport properties.

Lactalis Ingredients offers a wide range of fat-filled milk powders. Among this range, Lactimilk® contains 28% vegetable fat and 24% protein. To meet nutritional needs, the powder is enriched with vitamins A and D. Thanks to its excellent instant quality, Lactimilk® is easy to use for the consumer.

In addition, Lactalis Ingredients offers the Fromylk range which consists of:

• • Fromylk 226: an economical alternative to whole milk powder with an equivalent sensory profile. With a vegetable fat content of 26%, it is suitable for hot drinks such as tea and coffee, as well as dairy drinks.
• • Fromylk 126: has excellent flowability for optimal handling and does not lump during storage. With low protein and 26% fat content, this fat-filled milk powder is ideal for breakfast as a tea and coffee whitener or reconstituted for dairy beverages.

Vitamin-enriched dairy products are part of sustainable and affordable solutions to fight malnutrition and obesity.

Vitamin-enriched dairy products are part of sustainable and affordable nutrition solutions to fight malnutrition and obesity. Awareness of nutrition and its impact on health is growing in developing countries. Lactalis Ingredients offers economical solutions, with a good dairy taste, to meet this public health challenge.

Sources :

^[1] Global Nutrition Report’s Independent Expert Group, Rapport sur la nutrition mondiale, 2020
^[2] Global Hunger Index, 2019
^[3] UNICEF (2019). The State of the World’s Children 2019. Children, Food and Nutrition: Growing well in a changing world. UNICEF, New York.
^[4] Les Echos, La consommation mondiale de produits laitiers est tirée par les pays émergents, d’après la Fédération internationale du lait, 2019
^[5] Lightspeed/Mintel; Mintel GNPD. Base: 1,000 internet users aged 18+ in Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and South Africa, Juillet 2019