Pulse-Based Diets to Reduce Micronutrient Deficiencies

Sponsored By: University of Saskatchewan 

Pulses are highly recognized for their nutritional value in fulfilling the basic protein and energy requirements of human diet and are recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization as staple foods. Considering the high potential to reach millions, University of Saskatchewan conducted a series of seed-to-scale research to further improve the micronutrient contents of pulses through biofortification and fortification, and show their acceptability and effectiveness. This symposium will highlight results of the research and their potential applications in scaling up fortified pulses. Topics include, role of micronutrient-rich pulses in supporting immune system function, suppressing oxidative damage from arsenic exposure; methods to increase bioavailability of iron and zinc in pulses; acceptability and efficacy, and market potentials of fortified pulses. This event will seek further inputs from fortification experts, academics, program implementers, and policy makers on the programmatic and market implications and scaling up of fortified pulses. This research has been funded by the Global Institute of Food Security and Nutrition International.

Presentations:

• Introduction-brief on the lentil initiative
  Jalal Chowhury, PhD – Nutrition International
• Iron-fortified lentils – a food-based sustainable solution to reduce iron deficiency among adolescent girls.
  Diane M. DellaValle, PhD, RDN, LDN – King's College
• Combat arsenic poisoning with bio-fortified selenium rich lnetil
  Judit Smits, DVM, MSc, PhD – University of Calgary
• Adding value to lentil using fortification technology – dual fortification to address Fe and Zn deficiency
  Rajib Podder, PhD – University of Saskatchewan
• Summary of all the information from the presenters and conclude the session with his remarks.
  Albert Vandenberg, BSc, MSc, PhD, PAg – University of Saskatchewan