Our Story
Sozo Food & Nutritional Deficiency
BACKGROUND
The aim of Sozo Food is to develop and supply food products fortified with micro-nutrients to reduce micronutrient deficiencies in target groups. Micronutrient deficiency is commonly associated with malnutrition. Even though mostly associated with developing countries, this is by no means exclusive to these countries, and has become a common ailment even in developed countries where illness and lifestyle often result in nutritional deficiencies.
In association with the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), a patented bouquet of non-synthetic micronutrients in the form of a versatile and natural premix has been scientifically developed to use in different food products. These products are specifically developed and tailored as an easy administered supplementary food to address the deficiencies associated with malnutrition and nutritional deficiency. The application of the premix in the food products allows for a single serving that could provide up to 50% of the Nutrient Reference Value (NRV). It provides a spectrum of vitamins and minerals to address micronutrient deficiencies, promote physical growth and development, and to strengthen the immune system.
We are introducing a range of fortified food products in an attempt to reduce micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries. Our method is fortifying food products with those micronutrients known to be absent or deficient in the diet of the majority of people, especially in the diet of vulnerable population groups.
Sozo Food products are distinguishable from other products and claims in the market place. The use of non-synthetic and natural micro-nutrients and vitamins allows for high bioavailability superior to the normal and commonly used synthetic additives in other supplementary food products.
The patented premix, called Nutri Caro-E was developed by researchers from the Functional Foods Unit at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and is the result of years of research and analysis.
➢ The pre-mix contains 11 different carotenes with alpha- and beta- carotene as the major components with proven pro-vitamin A activity
➢ In high concentrations alpha- and beta- carotene, unlike preformed Vitamin A, are not toxic and conversion to retinol depends on the Vitamin A status of the consumer
➢ alpha- and beta- carotene are plant derived compounds shown to alleviate Vitamin A deficiency in school learners
➢ The pre-mix contains 5 different forms of Vitamin E, namely alpha tocopherol as well as alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta – tocotrienol
➢ The pre-mix also contains phytosterols such as squalene and co-enzyme Q 10
➢ The micronutrients iron, zinc, copper and selenium are all amino acid complexes which improve bioavailability
➢ No animal ingredients are used in any of the food products and they are suitable for vegetarians
All Sozo Food products contain an average of 50% per single serving of the nutrient reference value (NRV):
➢ Biscuits – A Nutritional and delicious oat biscuit
➢ Infant and Young Children Cereal – An easy to digest fine pre-cooked maize based porridge, protein enriched
➢ Fortified Maize for general consumption – A slightly coarse pre-cooked maize for general consumption, protein enriched
➢ Peanut Butter – A Smooth peanut butter with a minimum peanut content of 95%
Common micronutrient deficiencies considered as potentially debilitating and treatable by our products include:
➢ Iron deficiency – causing anaemia, which globally affects 1.6 billion people, and increases the risk of pregnancy anaemia, associated with 18% of maternal deaths
➢ Vitamin A deficiency – prevalent in about 250 million pre-school children
➢ Zinc deficiency – affects the immune system and kills 430 000 children annually
➢ Manganese deficiency – leads to impaired growth, can result in impaired reproductive function, skeleton abnormalities, impaired glucose tolerance, and altered carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.
