DSM fights hidden hunger

STUTTGART, Germany – Unknown to many, hidden hunger is a worldwide problem that affects nearly 2 billion people in developed and developing countries. Defined as the chronic deficiency of vitamins and minerals, hidden hunger is a result of the lack of access to affordable nutritious food, particularly amongst the underprivileged. In rich countries, hidden hunger usually occurs as a result of changing patterns of diet and lifestyle. This leads to poor nutrition which is linked to rising rates of obesity and costly non-communicable diseases like diabetes, stroke and heart disease.

The Hidden Hunger Congress established by the Food Security Centre (FSC) and the Institute of Biological Chemistry and Nutrition at the University of Hohenheim in Germany, seeks out solutions to the problem.

This year’s gathering held from March 6 - 9, was attended by leaders from government, civil society, business and academia—including Dr Eileen Kennedy, Dean of the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, and Dr David Nabarro, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Food Security and Nutrition, and coordinator of the SUN Movement.

At the meeting, participant Royal DSM and its philanthropic arm, Sight and Life, launched their campaign ‘Vitamins in Motion’. The new initiative aims to raise awareness and advocate for increased access to essential vitamins.

“Vitamins have the power to unlock human potential in both the developed and developing world,” said Dr Manfred Eggersdorfer, senior vice president and head for Nutritional Science Advocacy at DSM Nutritional Products. “DSM and Sight and Life are committed to putting Vitamins in Motion. Whether it’s discovering new scientific breakthroughs in the lab or building partnerships to deliver micronutrients to the world’s most vulnerable populations, we are on the front lines of the global fight against hidden hunger.”

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