The story fat

In India, a third of women of reproductive age are undernourished, with a body mass index (BMI) of less than 18.5 kg/m2. It is well known that an undernourished mother inevitably gives birth to an undernourished baby, perpetuating an intergenerational cycle of undernutrition.

WHO reported that India ranks number 1 in preterm births with 3.5 million babies born. Globally Prematurity is the leading cause of death in children under the age of 5 years. Preventing deaths and complications from preterm birth starts with a healthy pregnancy. Focusing on nutrition during the first 1000 days of life – from a woman’s pregnancy to her child’s 2nd birthday - offers a unique window of opportunity to shape healthier and more prosperous futures.

Mothers and Infants who get the right nutrition Including an optimal and balanced intake of nutritional fats during this important window of development have stronger physical and cognitive development, are 10 times more likely to overcome life-threatening childhood diseases, have healthier families of their own and be more productive adults.

DSM Human Nutrition and Health hosted a panel discussion of leading Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in India at National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad that focused on “Nutritional Fats in the Indian diet and their consequences on maternal and fetal health”.