EPHA calls for nutrition-forward policies to combat micronutrient deficiencies

The European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) and the researchers behind the Zero Hidden Hunger EU project recently launched a joint policy lab initiative to facilitate a dialogue on micronutrient deficiencies in Europe. EPHA highlights the significance of meeting micronutrient goals to ensure populations’ overall well-being and economic performance.

“Micronutrient deficiencies can compromise the immune system, disrupt childhood growth and brain development, accelerate multi-system aging and non-communicable diseases,” Alessandro Gallina, policy manager at EPHA and Zero Hidden Hunger policy lab coordinator, tells Nutrition Insight.

“They can adversely affect the development potential of individuals, reducing educational attainment, as well as work capacity and productivity, ultimately hindering the development of societies and nations.”

“These all carry an economic cost, which is further amplified by the cost of caring for people who develop long-term diseases associated with chronic malnutrition. Examples include musculoskeletal disorders, perinatal complications and cardiovascular diseases.” 

Nutrition policy in Europe

As the coordinator for the Zero Hidden Hunger policy lab, part of the Zero Hunger Hidden Hunger EU project, Gallina spotlights the importance of integrating nutrition-focused policies across health, education, and food systems in the EU. He calls for the establishment of “interdepartmental committees to ensure that health, education and food policies are aligned with nutritional goals.”

To achieve this, Gallina points to the need for nutrition education to be integrated into EU school’s curriculum “to foster healthy eating habits from a young age.”

He states that healthcare protocols should be updated “to include routine micronutrient screening and supplementation guidelines, especially for vulnerable populations.” 

He also adds that agricultural policies should be aligned “to promote the cultivation and availability of micronutrient-rich foods, including through subsidies and support for biofortified crops.”

Micronutrient deficiencies can compromise immunity and childhood development, while accelerating aging and disease.Food and nutrition industry 

The food and nutrition industry will play a key role in the policy lab solutions and dialogue, which Gallina expects to remain “open and transparent.”

“We recognize and acknowledge the openness of the food industry to improve the nutritional quality of products that form the core part of the diet. Strategies such as reformulation, innovation, consumer engagement and standards development will be considered.”

For example, Unilever conducted a study last year that revealed the potential positive impact of its Positive Nutrition Standards on public health. The company called on other industry players to consider product reformulation beyond ingredient restriction to meet nutrition and sustainability goals. 

He continues: “As we design policy recommendations in the policy lab, a fundamental aspect of our approach involves scrutinizing and addressing the commercial determinants of nutritional health, including marketing practices, food formulation and nutritional composition, price, product availability, sustainability of food production practices, food waste, among others.”

“Industry actions can significantly influence dietary choices and health outcomes. Our goal is to ensure that industry contributes to combating micronutrient deficiencies aligning with public health objectives rather than commercial interests.”

The importance of transparency

Gallina asserts that as the entities involved in the policy lab shape strategies and solutions, it is crucial to maintain an independent stance that prioritizes public health goals above commercial interests. 

The food industry has the capacity to improve the nutritional quality of products that form a core part of the diet.For this reason, he says that the policy lab will also include a discussion of how to establish “clear, scientifically-backed definitions of what constitutes healthy, micronutrient-rich foods as opposed to merely ‘edible products’ that do not support optimal health.”

The experts will also consider how to implement “stringent regulations on advertising, especially those targeted at vulnerable populations, and encouraging the reformulation of food products to enhance their nutritional profile.”

Discussing their report on responsible marketing practices among infant formula suppliers, the NGO Access to Nutrition Initiative told Nutrition Insight that non-compliance with internationally set norms threatens infant nutrition security worldwide.

He further highlights the need to encourage the industry “to adopt sustainable methods of production that reduce waste and environmental impact while improving the nutritional quality of the food supply.”

Lastly, Gallina calls for support for “initiatives that foster environments conducive to making healthier food choices accessible and affordable for all populations.”