  |
| Muffin |
|
|
Südafrika - Liebe auf den ersten Blick Interview auf SWR 3 (2,4MB)
The Muffin-ProjectAdequate nutrition is a basic human right and a prerequisite for the attainment of an individual's full physical and intellectual potential. Under-nutrition does not only affect growth and development of children, but may also contribute to ill health and functional impairment in every stage of the life cycle. Improving the nutritional status of the undernourished through research is thus ethical, imperative and a sound economic investment.
The CAROTINO ENRICHED BISCUIT, developed and scientifically evaluated by the South African Medical Research Council as part of the solution to address micronutrient deficiencies in vulnerable groups [for people who are at risk of hidden hunger], is rich in B-carotene - the precursor of vitamin E and iron.  The term 'Hidden Hunger' refers to an inadequate intake of micronutrients [minerals, vitamins, and trace elements] because the effects of micronutrient deficiencies, although far-reaching and detrimental, cannot be seen.  DEVELOPMENT OF THE ORIGINAL FORTIFIED BISCUIT TO ADDRESS 'HIDDEN HUNGER'. A study by researchers of the NIRU found that few of the schoolchildren who received five cooked meals a week, [as part of a school feeding scheme], were not only underweight, but that, in addition, their vitamin A and iron status was low. They were suffering from 'hidden hunger'. Research undertaken showed that approximately 45% of the children had a sub clinical vitamin A deficiency and about 24% were anemic. It was realised that the fortification of an appropriate food vehicle could be a solution.  A biscuit was chosen as the carrier for B-carotene and iron because:- # Research in the study showed that the children were already purchasing a low-cost shortbread type of biscuit at the local shops and that it was popular. # It would be regarded as a snack, and therefore it was unlikely to replace a meal at home. # it is easy to distribute. # It has a long shelf-life. A biscuit fortified with B-carotene, iron and iodine was developed and tested over a period of a year in schoolchildren. Not only did the study show an improvement in vitamin A and iron status, had it also demonstrated:- # A decrease in the prevalence of iodine deficiency from 97.5% to 30.2% within 6 months # Improvement in cognitive tests which measured short-term memory and attention span # a reduction in the number of school days missed as a result of respiratory and diarrhea-related illnesses  The study proved that the fortification of a biscuit is an acceptable, effective and practical way to combat specific micronutrient deficiencies. NOTE: An additional study proved that a 'muffin' rather than a biscuit would be more acceptable to the child living in the Western Cape. |
