Micronutrients & recovery
Large-scale food fortification (LSFF) of staple foods (flour, salt, oil, sugar) significantly reduces the prevalence of anemia, goiter, and neural tube defects in low- and middle-income countries.
In regions where staple foods like flour, salt, or oil are not fortified, seek out fortified versions or ensure diverse intake of nutrient-dense whole foods. For populations relying on staples, mandatory fortification is the most effective public health tool to prevent anemia and birth defects.
A 2019 review attempted to estimate the real-world impact of industrial food fortification on health and nutrition outcomes in LMICs, and found that it had a positive impact on some health outcomes, including goiter, anemia, and NTD prevalence [36]. Fortification programs implemented population-wide were associated with a 34% reduction in anemia from improved iron stores... 74% reduction in the odds of goiter; and a 41% reduction in the odds of NTDs [14].
Why this rating
Based on systematic reviews and meta-analyses of population-wide programs, though some individual studies show mixed results.
Source
Food Fortification: The Advantages, Disadvantages and Lessons from Sight and Life Programs
Rebecca Olson et al. · Nutrients · 2021
DOI 10.3390/nu13041118
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