"One effective disease prevention strategy is food fortification," Sunil Sazawal, Effect of Fortified Milk on Morbidity in Young Children researcher in India, said in Jakarta.

Food fortification is a scientific method in which micronutrients are added to food to prevent nutritional deficiency, as well as replacing nutrients that are lost during food processing.

The research reported that deficiency of micronutrients, such as iron and zinc, was prevalent in children in developing countries who were susceptible to common childhood illnesses.

"Fortified milk, with a specific ratio of micronutrients, such as iron and zinc, can enhance a child's immune system to prevent diseases," he added.

Micronutrients include minerals and vitamins and are needed for the body to function healthily. Even though the body only requires a small amount, nutrient deficiency can lead to malnutrition and vulnerability to diseases.

The demographic groups that need more nutrition are infants, young children, teenagers and pregnant women.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that undernourished children who are not breastfed or suffer from inadequate zinc intake are vulnerable to contracting pneumonia.

Researchers added zinc and iron to milk for children aged one to three in North India.

"Fortification can be applied to other food such as noodles," Sunil Sazawal said.

The research used milk because it was a popular food for fortification due to its availability and frequent consumption by young children.

"Zinc and iron needs to be consumed daily," he said. "Supplements such as tablets are not effective," he added.

The research concluded that immune systems improved in children who received fortified milk.

Sunil said regular intake of fortified milk resulted in 18 percent lower incidence of diarrhea, 26 percent lower incidence of pneumonia , 7 percent fewer days with high fever and 15 percent fewer days sick with severe illness.

However, exclusive breast feeding by mothers is still the main source of nutrients for infants. "It is integral for a mother to breastfeed for the first six months. Additional feeding or supplementation should start in addition to breast feeding after six months.

In Indonesia, fortified milk is available in various brands in the market and appropriate for children aged one to three. (map)

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