Many Ghanaians deficient in vital nutrients – medical officer

A doctor at the Department of Medicine of the University of GhanaMedical School, Korle Bu, Dr Margaret Laney, has observed thatalthough the country has abundant food sources, most people aresuffering from micronutrient malnutrition.

She said the condition, often referred to as "hidden hunger",mostly affected the elderly and children and remained unrecognisedin its mild or moderate forms.

According to her, under such circumstances, most people walkedabout looking healthy, when in actual fact they lacked iron,vitamins and iodine, a situation that she said could lead toanaemic conditions.

Dr Lartey made the observation at a health talk organised byAllipharm UK - agent for Valuepak range of vitamins, minerals andfood supplement products - for pharmacists in Accra.

She further observed that vitamin deficiencies frequently occurredin populations with high infectious disease burden, among peoplewith monotonous poor quality diet, as well as diets characterisedby limited consumption of animal products.

Dr Lartey, who was speaking on the topic: "The role of supplementsin the prevention and management of diseases", also observed thatfood taken in excess could increase the ageing process and reducelife expectancy of a person by increasing oxidative stress and,therefore, recommended daily exercises, which, according to her,strengthens antioxidant defences.

She said it had become vital for people to supplement their dietsdaily with vitamins and minerals to ensure that they had therequired amounts of vitamins, minerals and supplements (VMS) intheir systems.

The Chief Executive Officer of BR Pharmaceuticals, manufacturers ofValuepak range of vitamins, mineral and supplements based in UK -Mr Phillip M. Byrne, said the importance of food supplementationfor the body could not be overemphasised especially when food wereover-cooked, thereby making it lose value.


He said the mission of BR Pharmaceuticals was to deliver qualityhealth care at affordable prices for the benefit of retailers andconsumers alike, without compromising on its quality.

Marketed in Ghana over the last six years, Mr Byrne said Valuepak,which is currently Ghana's leading VMS brand in pharmacy, couldboast of 45 products in the Valuepak range and gave the assurancethat more brands were to be added in the near future.

The Products and Service Director of Allipharm UK, Mr Samuel Laing,said the talk was aimed at educating the pharmacists to be wellinformed on the importance of recommending food supplementation totheir clients.

Source: Daily Graphic