Access to diverse and nutritious food, especially for low-income and marginalized populations, continues to be a major challenge in Pakistan. Even middle-class families are often devoid of a proper food basket for their growing children.

In Pakistan, where about 45 percent of the people, according to the World Bank, live below the poverty line, micronutrient deficiencies remain a very serious public health concern.

According to dietitians, human body needs mandatory fortification of essential nutrients to address its widespread deficiencies.

The World Health Organization also emphasizes, including fortified foods into consumer diets. A recent Gallup survey reveals an increase in medication supplementation from 20 percent in 2018 to 27 percent by 2025, which significantly affects healthcare costs, particularly medication expenses related to treating physical and mental illnesses.

Micronutrient deficiencies usually cause night blindness, fatigue, anaemia, goitre (thyroid) and other conditions that stymie strong immune functioning and simultaneous cell growth. Inadequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals by the vulnerable populations even leads to increased morbidity.

The National Nutrition Survey (NNS), conducted in 2018, shows that over 37 percent of households are food insecure, with only 14 percent of children receiving a meal with minimum dietary diversity, and 40 percent of children under 05 experience stunted growth.

The survey also highlights widespread micronutrient deficiencies, with 26.5 percent of women being hypocalcaemic, 27 percent of the population lacking........

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