Ajinomoto Addresses Health Trends in Thailand to Resolve Malnutritional Challenges
Ajinomoto Addresses Health Trends in Thailand to Resolve Malnutritional Challenges Highlighting NPS-M Innovation for Sustainable Healthy Food Choices
- Promoting healthier eating habits to combat malnutrition by focusing on complete nutrition, reducing sodium intake, and increasing protein and dietary fiber.
- Introducing the NPS-M system, an innovative nutrient assessment tool, designed to recommend balanced, tailored meals, with plans to expand its use in restaurants and government initiatives.
Ajinomoto Co., (Thailand) Ltd., a global leader in promoting ‘Eat Well, Live Well’ lifestyles, has launched a strategic initiative to address malnutrition in the ASEAN region. Central to this effort is Ms. Pakpadsorn Sarachantapong, Professional Dietitian, Ajinomoto Co., (Thailand) Ltd., who recently delivered a lecture titled “Nutrient Profiling System (NPS) Based on Dishes and Meals: Pilot Implementation in Thailand” at the 2nd Southeast Asia Public Health Nutrition Conference held at the Arnoma Grand Hotel in Bangkok. During her presentation, she highlighted the implementation of the NPS-M system, designed to encourage healthy eating habits, elevate nutrition awareness, and promote beneficial eating behaviors to address nutritional challenges in Thailand.
The issue of malnutrition, characterized by an imbalance of energy or nutrients, is a pressing global issue that can lead to obesity and chronic non-communicable diseases. In ASEAN, obesity has become a critical health challenge, with Malaysia ranking first and Thailand following as the second most affected country. Additionally, a Euromonitor[1] survey revealed that one in four Thais actively manage their diet, with 65% increasingly focusing on healthy ingredients and 41% paying attention to nutritional labels. This reflects a growing trend towards sustainable, healthy food choices among Thai consumers.
Ms. Pakpadsorn Sarachantapong, Professional Dietitian, Ajinomoto Co., (Thailand) Ltd., said, “Choosing nutritious food is essential to addressing malnutrition, which is a widespread concern. Enhancing the nutritional value of every meal starts with simple choices – incorporating vegetables to increase dietary fiber, opting for low-salt options to reduce sodium intake, and selecting lean meats to boost protein intake. A balanced diet not only strengthens the immune system and prevents illnesses but also supports growth and long-term health. This is the cornerstone of Ajinomoto’s vision for lasting health, through a sustainable, ‘Eat Well, Live Well’ lifestyle.”
Nutrient Profiling (NP) studies in Thailand have found diverse applications, one of which is the “Healthier Choice Logo (HCL)” that primarily targets packaged foods. Recognizing the cultural preference for freshly prepared dishes in Thailand, Ajinomoto Group has introduced the Nutrient Profiling System for Meals (NPS-M) and the Nutrient Profiling System for Dishes (NPS-D). These systems align with the Thai Recommended Daily Intake (Thai RDI) for individuals aged six and above, effectively bridging the gap between traditional dietary habits and modern nutritional guidelines.
Ajinomoto Group has developed the NPS-M and D (the Nutrient Profiling System for Meal and Dish), an innovative approach to evaluating the nutritional content of individual meals and menu items. This system is particularly effective at assessing freshly prepared foods and popular street dishes, both integral to Thai culture. It addresses the need for nutrient assessment in restaurant menus, focusing on energy content, food groups, and nutrients aligned with current health concerns. This initiative empowers consumers to make informed choices about nutritious food tailored to their individual needs, while still enjoying their favorite dishes. The Ajinomoto Group also plans to collaborate with the government to influence policies and enhance consumer understanding in the future.
In Thailand, Ajinomoto has piloted the NPS-M system in its headquarters cafeteria, guiding meal preparation and recommending healthy options to staff. This helps employees to more conveniently select nutritionally balanced meals, boosting their health consciousness and motivation through the i-LiveWell application, an AI well-being platform. This effort underscores Ajinomoto’s commitment to nurturing health from within, setting a sustainable model for health promotion across Thai society, as emphasized by Ms. Pakpadsorn Sarachantapong
[1] Euromonitor, Consumer Lifestyles in Thailand and Consumer Values and Behavior in Thailand, July 2023
