Astra Acti√ debuts

Upfield Lanka Ltd., this week launched the plant-based Astra Acti√ which is fortified with vitamin A, D, B6, B9 and B12 to support the normal function of the immune system and omega 3 and 6 naturally sourced from sunflower and canola oils to support the growth and development of kids.

The company said 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 that can be applied right away even after refrigeration, thereby fitting into today’s busy lifestyles helping moms better manage busy mornings and sending children off to school.

The launch of Astra Acti√ saw a panel discussion that included an eminent panel including Health Ministry Consultant Pediatrician and Neonatologist Dr. R.M. Surantha Perera, Dietplan LK Registered Nutritionist and National Football Team Former Nutritionist Nilesha Dahanayake, Musician, Performer and Mother Nadini Premadasa and BlueBand for AMEA (Asia Middle East Africa) and ANZ region Global Marketing Manager Shehani Liyanage.

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 and 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 expands 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 must 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 foods on a daily basis can be challenging specially with kids’ food preferences.

The session also offered insights on debunking myths around fats and margarine. There were some shocking data and insights that revealed 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 an increase in bad cholesterol formation in the body.

Upfield said its products are manufactured locally as per the SLSI standard guideline under both HACCP and GMP certified facilities. The current Astra portfolio includes Astra Fat Spread, Astra Mayonnaise and Astra Cooking Pack.

Astra is a part of the global brand BlueBand which is present across 35 countries including Pakistan, Netherlands, Kenya, Malaysia and Indonesia.