New Astra Acti√ support normal immunity and growth & development of children

Astra was launched in Sri Lanka, back in 1965 providing great taste and the nutrition to help kids ‘Grow Healthy & Happy’. Astra is currently owned by Upfield which is the largest plant-based food organisation in the world with their presence across 95 countries. As an organisation which operates with the purpose of making Sri Lankan families, healthy and happy with great tasting plant-based products which are good for us and good for the planet, Upfield always tries to ensure that they come with solutions which address consumer needs and their tension points, it said in a media statement.

The current Astra portfolio includes Astra Fat Spread, Astra Mayonnaise and Astra Cooking Pack. With the increasing focus on kids’ growth and immunity, Astra has now introduced its newest addition ‘Astra Acti√’ fat spread to the market, which is fortified with vitamin A, D, B6, B9 and B12 to support the normal function of the immune system and omega 3 & 6 naturally sourced from sunflower and canola oils to support the growth and development of kids.

As a plant-based product, Astra Acti√ is free from bad trans fats and doesn’t have any inherent cholesterol. At the same time, it also does not contain artificial colours or artificial flavours. Astra Acti√ is also a soft fat spread. “So as soon as you take it out of the refrigerator, it can be applied right away. This makes it an ideal fit into today’s busy lifestyles helping moms better manage busy mornings and sending children off to school,” the statement said.

In Sri Lanka, the launch of Astra Acti√ was held by Upfield Sri Lanka, on February 1, amidst a panel discussion that comprised an eminent panel including Dr. R.M. Surantha Perera - Consultant Pediatrician and Neonatologist, Ministry of Health of Sri Lanka; Ms. Nilesha Dahanayake - Registered Nutritionist, Nutritionist at Dietplan LK and former Nutritionist for the National Football Team; Ms. Nadini Premadasa – Musician, Performer and Mother and Ms. Shehani Liyanage - Global Marketing Manager, BlueBand for AMEA (Asia Middle East Africa) & ANZ region at Upfield Lanka Limited.

This panel discussion provided professional opinions and insights on the right micronutrients including Vitamins A, D, B6, B9 and B12 that are important to support the normal function of immunity. The panel also discussed the type of food such as vegetables, fruits, green leaves which can carry these nutrients as well as how difficult it can be to feed these foods to our little picky eaters. Another key point of discussion was on kids’ growth and development. Parents’ expectations on growth expand beyond physical growth into mental and cognitive growth as well. And it is important to have the right nutrition to facilitate that. Omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids play an important role in this overgrowth of kids. However, these fatty acids cannot be made inside our bodies hence has to be taken in with the diet. Omega 3 can be found in food such as fish oil while omega 6 is abundant in sunflower, canola linseed and similar plant-based seeds and oils. However, giving the right quantities of these food on daily basis can be challenging specially with kids’ food preference. That’s why Astra Acti√ is going to be the best friend of our parents going forward as it is packed with those essential fats and micronutrition in the form of a tasty fat spread that is easy to be given to our picky eaters, the statement said.

The session also offered insights on debunking myths around fats and margarine. There were some shocking data and insights that revealed around consumer perceptions based on research conducted by Prosoft research agency.  95% of Sri Lankans believe that fats are overall bad, and it makes you fat, which is a completely wrong perception. As per WHO classification, 30% of daily energy must come in the form of fats. All that is important is to eat everything in moderation be it fats or any other food type. But as a key macronutrient, if you remove fats totally from your diet that can have bad repercussions such as lack of vitamin absorption and increase in bad cholesterol formation in body.