Malia paha he iki ‘unu, pa‘a ka pōhaku nui ‘a‘ole e ka‘a.

Perhaps it is the small stone that can keep the big rock from rolling down.

Vitamins and the Case of the Karat Banana

Vitamins are essential nutrients that our bodies require in small amounts to maintain good health. They come from the foods we eat, so when a diet lacks certain types of food, vitamin deficiencies can occur.

A striking example comes from Pohnpei, a Pacific island in the Federated States of Micronesia. For generations, people there have eaten traditional foods such as fresh papaya, mango, pineapple, coconut, bananas, and seafood. In recent years, however, many residents have shifted toward imported, processed foods that are low in vitamins and minerals.

This change has led to serious health problems. In one study of children aged two to five, more than half were deficient in vitamin A.^[1]

To address this issue, the Island Food Community of Pohnpei began promoting the bright-orange karat banana, a traditional variety rich in beta-carotene, which the body can convert into vitamin A. Encouraging families to return to this local, nutrient-dense food has helped reduce vitamin A deficiency and preserve cultural food traditions.

Watch: Island Food Community of Pohnpei – Karat Banana Story

Learn more: islandfood.org