Sight and Life, the humanitarian initiative of DSM and a well respected nutrition think tank will launch a unique history of the global battle against micronutrient deficiencies. Entitled Micronutrients, Macro Impact: The story of vitamins and a hungry world, this book tells how, for the past 25 years, Sight and Life has championed the battle against hidden hunger among the world’s poorest and most vulnerable populations. The book launch will take place on 10th February 2012 at the headquarters of DSM Nutritional Products in Switzerland, within the wider framework of DSM’s celebration of 100 Years of Vitamins in 2012.
The term ‘vitamines’ was coined a hundred years ago by the Polish biochemist Casimir Funk to describe a group of bioactive substances essential for health. As the world’s leading producer of vitamins, DSM is leading the way in celebrating the first hundred years of vitamin science and initiating the next hundred years of developments in this field.
Micronutrients, Macro Impact recounts the first quarter-century of Sight and Life’s existence. Drawing on documentary evidence as well as recent interviews with leading thinkers in the micronutrient arena, it explains the vital importance of micronutrients and makes a powerful plea for using these vital substances to help build healthier, more prosperous, and more sustainable societies.
The publication of Micronutrients, Macro Impact is one of a wide range of activities underscoring DSM’s commitment to the next century of vitamin science. The book launch in Kaiseraugst, Switzerland, will be followed by a mini-symposium on Micronutrients: From the Past to the Future with participants from Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Groupe de Recherche et d‘Echange Technologique (GRET), the Universities of Hohenheim, Newcastle & Ulster, and Vitamin Angels, as well as DSM, Sight and Life and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).
Dr. Klaus Kraemer, Director Sight and Life, concludes: “If we have learned anything over the past 25 years, it is that all relevant stakeholders must work together to solve the problems of a hungry world – scientists, visionaries, policymakers, governments and non-governmental organizations, philanthropist and the private sector.”
On February 8th DSM was sponsoring the Economist conference Feeding the World: The 9-billion people question in Geneva, Switzerland, at which the keynote speech was made by Graziano da Silva, the Director General of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Stephan Tanda, DSM Managing Board Member with responsibility for DSM’s Nutrition activities, comments: “Micronutrients, Macro Impact clearly shows that our work to advance the science of vitamins is more important than ever. Working together with a wide range of stakeholders has brought the opportunity to sustainably improve the nutritional status of millions of people within reach. Turning this possibility into a reality requires also the engagement and support of the public at large. We hope that Micronutrients, Macro Impact will help rally this support and is a great example for the positive change that Sight and Life has championed for the past 25 years.”
About SIGHT AND LIFE
Sight and Life is a humanitarian initiative of DSM and a well respected nutrition think tank. We care about the world’s most vulnerable populations, and exist to help improve their nutritional status. Acting as their advocates, we guide original nutrition research, disseminate its findings and facilitate dialog to bring about positive change. We believe that the right mix of funding, knowledge, technology and policy will lead to better health. We work through advocacy and leadership to address societal changes affecting dietary quality. We act responsibly to disseminate information that reflects current knowledge and evolving scientific evidence. We also aim to promote partnerships that are able to solve outstanding problems. www.sightandlife.org
100 years of vitamins for a brighter world
In 1912, the world first learned about ‘vitamins’, a term coined by Casimir Funk to describe bioactive substances essential for human and animal health. The past century has witnessed remarkable discoveries that have advanced our understanding of vitamins and their vital role in health and wellness. DSM, the global leader in vitamins, is proud to have been part of this vitamin journey and is committed to making further scientific advances for generations to come.
DSM – Bright Science. Brighter Living. ™
Royal DSM N.V. is a global science-based company active in health, nutrition and materials. By connecting its unique competences in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences DSM is driving economic prosperity, environmental progress and social advances to create sustainable value for all stakeholders. DSM delivers innovative solutions that nourish, protect and improve performance in global markets such as food and dietary supplements, personal care, feed, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, automotive, paints, electrical and electronics, life protection, alternative energy and bio-based materials. DSM’s 22,000 employees deliver annual net sales of about € 9 billion. The company is listed on NYSE Euronext. More information can be found at www.dsm.com.
For more information please contact:
DSM Nutritional Products
External Communications
Charlotte Frederiksen
tel. +41 61 815 83 54
fax +41 61 815 82 90
e-mail charlotte.frederiksen@dsm.com
