Abstract

NUTRIVIGILANCE: AN ALARMING NEED IN MODERN AGE

Pulkit Deswal*, Sachin Dhull, Dr. Richa Bajaj, Namita

Abstract

This article addresses the critical need for nutrivigilance in India, focusing on monitoring and assessing the safety, efficacy, and quality of nutritional products. Nutrivigilance, defined as the monitoring and assessment of functional foods, dietary supplements, and nutraceuticals, is crucial for addressing nutritional deficiencies, ensuring food safety, and reducing healthcare costs associated with diet-related diseases. The article provides an overview of India's current nutritional landscape, highlighting prevalent deficiencies and disorders, and discusses challenges in nutrition and food safety such as food quality issues, regulatory gaps, and adulteration. It reviews existing frameworks and policies, emphasizing the need for nutrivigilance implementation. The importance of nutrivigilance in addressing nutritional deficiencies, ensuring food safety, and protecting public health is emphasized, along with proposed steps and strategies for effective implementation. Anticipated challenges in implementation, including resource constraints and regulatory gaps, are discussed, with proposed solutions such as awareness campaigns, regulatory strengthening, and technology adoption. Establishing a comprehensive nutrivigilance system in India is essential for addressing nutritional challenges and promoting public health.

Keywords: Nutrition, Nutrivigilance, Deficiencies, Quality and Safety, Public Health.