Background 
In Asia, micronutrient deficiencies, especially vitamin A, iodine and iron-deficiencies, have been recognized as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among vulnerable population groups. In providing the scientific information and research that will help to address and alleviate these problems, the Task Force’s activities focus on the following areas:
- Food Fortification
- Early Child Nutrition/Complementary Foods
- Harmonization of Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) in Southeast Asia Region
ILSI SEA Region has collaborated with ILSI Project IDEA, the Asian Development Bank, UN agencies, regional national regulatory bodies and research institutions in a series of technical and knowledge-based workshops, which led to the development and promotion of appropriate technologies, standards and regulatory guidelines for the fortification of selected staples, complementary foods and condiments to reduce micronutrient deficiencies in the target population. To assist regional countries to identify gaps in prioritizing, planning and implementing appropriate food fortification programs in their respective countries, a survey on food fortification activities in the region was carried out.
Scientific data also indicate that several population subgroups do not meet the national Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for these micronutrients. New scientific knowledge on nutrient needs to prevent diseases and promote optimal health, as well as developments in food labeling, have spurred ILIS SEA Region’s initiatives in helping the regional countries to review current national RDAs and develop a set of harmonized RDAs for the region.
Objectives
The Task Force aims to achieve the following:
- Improve understanding of the prevalence and impact of micronutrient deficiencies;
- Develop the scientific basis for and evaluate the benefits and risks of micronutrient fortification of commonly consumed foods in ASEAN countries especially staple and complementary foods;
- Develop fortification strategies and address technology and safety issues;
- Facilitate research on fortification techniques and evaluation of programs;
- Facilitate development and utilization of a harmonized set of Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) in the region; and
- Promote public-private partnership for food fortification.
Activities Undertaken
- Publication of Monograph on Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) Harmonization in Southeast Asia (2005)
- Compilation of food fortification activities in the region to assist regional countries to identify gaps in prioritizing, planning and implementing appropriate food fortification programs
- Meeting on Stability and Acceptability Studies of Iron-Fortified Rice, March 7, 2005, Philippines
- Symposium on Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (LCPUFAs), August 9, 2005, Indonesia
- Symposium and Workshop on Zinc and Health, March 6, 2006, Thailand
Upcoming Activities
- Compilation of Report on Regional Food Fortification Regulations, On-going
- Consumer Acceptability and Market Tests, and Costs Analysis of Iron-fortified Rice (In collaboration with ILSI Japan CHP)
- Pilot Study on Market Trail of Iron-Fortification of Fish Sauce Using NAFeEDTA in Cambodia (in collaboration with ILSI Japan CHP and RACHA, Cambodian NGO), On-going
- Proposal Review for Studies on Complementary Foods in Asia (in collaboration with ILSI Japan CHP and National Research Institutes/ Food Fortification Coalitions in the Philippines, Indonesia, China and Vietnam
Publications
Monograph on Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA): Harmonization in Southeast Asia
Contact Person
Ms Pauline Chan
Scientific Program Manager
ILSI Southeast Asia Region
1 Newton Road, Goldhill Plaza
Podium Block #03-45
Singapore 308899
Tel: (65) 63525 220
Fax: (65) 63525 536
Email: paulinechan@ilsisea.org.sg