100 Years of Vitamins

1912 - 2012

100 Years of Discovery

• In 1912, Polish-American scientist Casimir Funk coined the term “vitamin.”

• We’ve seen remarkable advancements in our understanding of vitamins.

• Discoveries of the health benefits from vitamins continue today.

Campaign Overview

We’re celebrating the century of contributions the vitamin has made in advancing global health and prosperity.

Micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) have played a vital role in protecting our health for the last 100 years, and they are key to solving our global nutritional challenges.

Vitamin Basics

Vitamins play a vital role throughout the lifecycle for disease prevention, good health and wellness.

Vitamin Basics

Vitamin A – Creates a clear view

B vitamins – Establish healthy growth

Vitamin C – Strengthens our defenses

Vitamin D – Builds a strong foundation

Vitamin E – Protects what we’re made of

Vitamin K – Regulates blood flow

Vitamin Deficiency: Hidden Hunger

• Deficiencies and inadequate vitamin intake still exist.• 1 billion people: not enough food• 2 billion people: not enough

vitamins/minerals

• This is a global problem.• Occurs in both developing and

developed countries

Inadequate Vitamin Intake in the Developed World

United States Germany

Food Deserts

Difficulty purchasing fresh foods

could contribute to inadequate

vitamin intake.

Vitamin Deficiency: Impact

• Hidden hunger negatively impacts individuals, communities and economies.

• Malnourished children:• Never reach their full height or

cognitive potential.• Are less able to fight diseases such

as malaria, TB and pneumonia.• Do worse in school.• Earn at least 10% less as adults.• Are at higher risk of chronic

diseases later in life.

Vitamin Inadequacies and Non-Communicable Diseases

• 36 of the 57 million global deaths in 2008 were due to NCDs.

• 29% of NCD deaths in low- and middle-income populations in 2008 occurred before the age of 60.– 80% of premature heart disease,

stroke & diabetes can be prevented.

• Diet is an important modifiable factor.

Vitamin and Mineral Deficiency: Facts and Figures

• Malnutrition contributes to more than 1 in 3 deaths of children under 5.

• 1.2 million children go blind or die from vitamin A deficiency each year.

• Iodine deficiency is the world’s leading cause of mental retardation and brain damage.

• Iron, vitamin A and zinc deficiencies lead to diseases that are among the top 10 causes of death in developing countries.

Increasing Access to Vitamins

We cannot improve health and development without addressing micronutrient deficiencies.

• Micronutrient powders are being distributed to countries across the world.• Ready-to-use vitamin and mineral

packets • Sprinkled over a meal or a drink • Provide people with their daily

needs of essential vitamins and minerals

Scientific Breakthroughs

• Food fortification is improving the nutritional status of millions in both the developing world and the developed world.• Vitamin and mineral enriched• Retains nutrients after washing

and cooking• Provides essential vitamins and

minerals

Scientific Breakthroughs

Markers of Status & Health

• Dietary intake surveys• Biomarker• Analytics• Imaging

To assess intake status of vitamins, explore their

impact on human health and non-invasively

measure efficacy.

Insights on Mode of Action (MoA)

• Molecular Biology• Transcriptomics• Metabolomics • Micronutrient-gene interactions (SNPs) Better understanding of MoA greatly help to

understand the role of vitamins in human health

and to explore and open-up new applications.

Scientific Breakthroughs

Access to Vitamins: Impact

Vitamin A

Distribution of vitamin A capsules has led to a 25% reduction in deaths among children under 5.

Folic Acid

Folic acid fortification of flour in several countries has led to a 50% decline in brain and spine defects.

Investing in nutrition can increase a country's GDP by 2-3% annually.

The Next 100 Years of Vitamins: How Genes and Vitamins Interact

• Much like how genetic variations determine eye color, they affect how we process vitamins.

• Different people need different amounts of vitamins for optimal health:• Diabetics with a certain genetic variation are at

increased risk of heart disease.• Vitamin E supplements can reduce the risk of heart

disease in people with this genetic variation.

• Gene-nutrient research has a profound impact on dietary intake recommendations.

The Next 100 Years of Vitamins

Furthering the science of vitamins

• So everyone, everywhere, has the opportunity to:

• Nourish their families

• Fight disease

• Grow strong and healthy

• So we can establish:• Healthy communities

• Prosperous nations

• So we can support a better global future

100 Years of Vitamins: Learn More

Visit www.100YearsofVitamins.com

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