The Nutrition Improvement Program of DSM Nutritional Products Ltd is dedicated to improving human health and prosperity by eliminating micronutrient malnutrition, also known as «hidden hunger»

It is our strong conviction to be effective. A food fortification program must correct all prevailing deficiencies, because it is uncommon for malnourished populations to be deficient in only one micronutrient. If only one deficiency is corrected in isolation, metabolism might still be impaired, since another deficiency becomes the limiting factor. For this reason, a multiple micronutrient approach is generally more effective than a single micronutrient approach.

An effective food fortification program must employ ingredients of a guaranteed high quality. Selecting ingredients based on price rather than quality can lead to inferior results. If the program doesn't work, it will be too expensive, no matter how little the ingredients cost. Another important factor is to adhere to strict standards of quality assurance, monitoring and evaluation.

The DSM Nutrition Improvement Program focuses its activities primarily on family health, and in particular on women of childbearing age and children under two years of age. We concentrate on this target group because malnutrition has its most devastating effects on a child's health from the moment of conception to the second birthday. Ensuring an adequate supply of essential micronutrients helps to protect against infection, utilize energy efficiently, and grow optimally. Without proper nutrition early in life, children are permanently robbed of their mental and physical potential. Programs to eliminate malnutrition must be well designed and carefully monitored, and provide all the essential micronutrients lacking in the diet. A well designed and properly managed food fortification program is one of the most cost-effective strategies available for improving the nutritional status of a population in a sustainable way.

We at DSM have the expertise, experience and resources needed to support an effective food fortification program anywhere in the world. DSM Nutritional Products Ltd is the only integrated provider of vitamins and other nutrients that has in-house research and development facilities, can provide tailor-made premix blends and offers comprehensive support to ensure effective communication and regulatory measures.

Bruno Kistner Director,
Nutrition Improvement Program, and team.

World Business Council for Sustainable Development
Detailed Case Study of the Nutrition Improvement Program
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China Business Council for Sustainable Development
CBCSD (China Business Council for Sustainable Development) has recently published our program as a business case on their website (Chinese only):
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