Micronutrients & recovery
Large-scale food fortification and biofortification are highly cost-effective public health interventions that significantly reduce micronutrient deficiencies (anemia, vitamin A deficiency, iodine deficiency) and associated health burdens in low- and middle-income countries.
For public health policymakers in LMIC: Implement mandatory fortification of staple foods (wheat, maize, rice, salt, sugar, oil) with essential micronutrients (iron, iodine, vitamin A, folic acid). Ensure strong government enforcement, quality control, and monitoring to guarantee compliance. This is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve population health, reduce anemia, prevent birth defects, and boost economic productivity.
food fortification has been recognized as one of the most cost-effective (note 1) interventions to address nutrient deficiencies in public health... the Copenhagen Consensus proposed micronutrient fortification, particularly iron fortification of staples and salt iodization, as one of the 'best-buys' among the 30 interventions they considered for addressing the 10 great challenges facing global development.
Why this rating
The paper cites systematic reviews, RCTs, and large-scale program evaluations, though it notes evidence gaps in functional outcomes like stunting.
Source
Large-Scale Food Fortification and Biofortification in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Review of Programs, Trends, Challenges, and Evidence Gaps
Saskia Osendarp et al. · Food and Nutrition Bulletin · 2018
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