ISLAMABAD, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 28th Aug, 2026) Muhammad Sarfaraz, Executive Director, Technical Operations at Innovita Nutrition on Friday stressed the need for a balanced and nutritious diet to address micronutrient deficiencies, clarifying that malnutrition did not merely mean a lack of food but also included deficiencies of essential vitamins and minerals.
Talking to a private news channel, Sarfaraz said that adequate food intake did not necessarily ensure proper nutrition, as many diets remained deficient in essential micronutrients such as zinc and iron, which are vital for brain and overall body development.
He said the first 1,000 days of a child’s life were particularly important for ensuring proper nutrition for both the mother and baby.
Sarfaraz called for greater attention to maternal nutrition during pregnancy, saying nutritional deficiencies among mothers could adversely affect the health and development of their babies.
The expert emphasized the importance of including fruits, vegetables and other nutrient-rich foods as part of a properly balanced diet. He advised people to consult qualified nutritionists to understand their individual nutritional requirements and obtain guidance according to their specific needs.
“Instead of relying unnecessarily on supplements, people should focus on obtaining essential nutrition through a regular, balanced and nutritious diet,” he said.
He also urged consumers to develop the habit of checking product labels before purchasing nutritional products, particularly the expiry date and ingredients to better understand what they were consuming.
He said greater public awareness about balanced diets, micronutrients and responsible food choices was essential to improve nutritional outcomes, particularly among mothers and children.
