Solving hidden hunger – a condition that stunts the lives and livelihood of two billion people worldwide – is the focus of a new podcast series from SIGHT AND LIFE, the humanitarian arm of DSM, a worldwide provider of nutritional ingredients. The eight-part series features content from a recent roundtable on the socioeconomic and scientific challenges to combating hidden hunger that was attended by nearly 50 thought leaders in nutrition and economics from 11 countries. SIGHT AND LIFE sponsored the roundtable and has made the podcasts available at its newly designed Web site, www.sightandlife.org, to foster a common agenda to eliminate hidden hunger.

“Malnutrition is a global crisis,” said Stephan Tanda, a member of the DSM Managing Board responsible for its Nutrition Cluster. “We must determine how to sustainably provide proper nutrition to all who are malnourished. As a leading provider of nutritional ingredients, DSM has the expertise to be part of the solution,” he added.

The Hidden Hunger Podcast Series features presentations and a subsequent group discussion on topics such as sustainable business models mitigating malnutrition and poverty; socioeconomic status and health, and the consequences of micronutrient deficiencies, among others. Presenters included Nobel Laureate Daniel McFadden, University of California, Berkley; USA; Bruce N. Ames, University of California, Berkley; USA; Ricardo Uauy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine; UK; and V. Prakash, Central Food Technological Research Institute, India, and others.

About Hidden Hunger
Hidden hunger or micronutrient deficiency affects 2 billion people worldwide, particularly infants, young children and women of child-bearing age. It is found in the developing and developed worlds. In the affluent U.S., for example, despite flour fortification with iron and B vitamins, iron deficiency affects 2.4 million children and is more severe among overweight children of low socioeconomic status. Millions of US citizens (11 percent of all households) are unable to buy nutritious food for economic reasons, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). A Canadian study suggests that this translates into significant nutrient inadequacies among adults and adolescents. Similarly, a recent report from Mexico showed the simultaneous risk of overweight and stunting (short linear growth from hidden hunger) in pre-school children. More recently, escalating food prices have forced households around the world to reduce consumption of micronutrient-rich foods, exacerbating a range of serious health consequences to as yet unknown levels.

About SIGHT AND LIFE
SIGHT AND LIFE, a humanitarian initiative of DSM, exists to help combat the suffering associated with malnutrition in its many forms. Originally founded in 1986 to fight vitamin A deficiency, it now focuses more broadly on the key relationship between micronutrient intake and health. SIGHT AND LIFE’s vision is to build bridges for better nutrition. Its activities include providing micronutrients to counter inadequate nutritional intake among populations in need, supporting educational and training programs to foster good nutritional practice, and co-operating closely with scientific establishments, academic institutions and healthcare organizations (non-governmental as well as governmental) around the world. For further information please visit www.sightandlife.org.

About DSM Nutritional Products
DSM Nutritional Products is the world's leading supplier of vitamins, carotenoids and other fine chemicals to the feed, food, pharmaceutical and personal care industries. The business has sales of over EUR 2 billion and a long tradition as a pioneer in the discovery of new products, new formulations and attractive applications for all industry segments. For further company information please visit www.dsmnutritionalproducts.com.

DSM - the Life Sciences and Materials Sciences Company
Royal DSM N.V. creates innovative products and services in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences that contribute to the quality of life. DSM’s products and services are used globally in a wide range of markets and applications, supporting a healthier, more sustainable and more enjoyable way of life. End markets include human and animal nutrition and health, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive, coatings and paint, electrics and electronics, life protection and housing. DSM has annual sales of almost EUR 8.8 billion and employs some 23,000 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations on five continents. DSM is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. More information on DSM: www.dsm.com .

For more information:
DSM Nutritional Products
SIGHT AND LIFE
Klaus Kraemer
Tel. +41 (0) 61 815 87 56
Fax +41 (0) 61 815 81 90
E-mail: klaus.kraemer@dsm.com

Forward-looking statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections of DSM and information currently available to the company. The statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and therefore DSM does not guarantee that its expectations will be realized. Furthermore, DSM has no obligation to update the statements contained in this press release. The English language version of the press release is leading.