A study into the nutritional status and fitness of school children by London Met researchers informed a national nutrition education programme and survey in Oman.
Led by a team including Prof. Kebreab Ghebremeskel, Dr Yoeju Min and Dr Izzeldin Hussein, the study investigated the benefits of taking supplementary fish oil or eating oily fish on the micronutrient status, cognitive abilities and physical fitness of Omani school children. The study found a high prevalence of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid deficiency and physical inactivity in Omani school children aged 9 and 10 years.
As a result of this research, the Ministry of Health of Oman introduced a nutrition education programme with nationwide reach and impact, and additionally conducted a national survey on nutritional deficiencies amongst Oman’s population.
The findings of the original study and national survey further informed UNICEF’s recommendation to include vitamin D in a national fortification programme of staple foods such as milk and cooking oil.
