Iron-fortified flour is an effective public health strategy that improves iron status of populations worldwide

Objectives:
Does iron-fortified flour increase iron status?

Study design:
This review article included 94 trials.
The main target groups were women, children and infants/toddlers.
The effects of different types of iron-fortified flour (wheat, maize, rice, soy and beans) on iron status were examined.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found a random effects analysis of before-after studies showed that iron-fortified flour led to significant increases of mean haemoglobin level [3.360 g/L, 95% CI = 0.980 to 5.730] and mean serum ferritin level [4.518 µg/L, 95% CI = 2.367 to 6.669].

The investigators found a random effects analysis of before-after studies showed that iron-fortified flour led to significant decreases of anaemia [-6.7%, 95% CI = -9.8% to -3.6%] and iron deficiency (ID) [-10.4%, 95% CI = -14.3% to -6.5%].

The investigators found a random effects analysis of before-after studies showed that iron-fortified flour had no significant effect on iron deficiency anaemia (IDA).

The investigators found a random effects analysis of controlled trials indicated that iron-fortified flour led to significant increases of mean haemoglobin level [2.630 g/L, 95% CI = 1.310 to 3.950] and mean ferritin level [8.544 µg/L, 95% CI = 6.767 to 10.320].

The investigators found a random effects analysis of controlled trials indicated that iron-fortified flour led to significant decreases of anaemia [-8.1%, 95% CI = -11.7% to -4.4%], iron deficiency [-12.0%, 95% CI = -18.9% to -5.1%] and iron deficiency anaemia [-20.9%, 95% CI = -38.4% to -3.4%].

The investigators concluded flour fortification with iron is an effective public health strategy that improves iron status of populations worldwide.

Original title:
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of iron-fortified flour on iron status of populations worldwide by Sadighi J, Nedjat S2 and Rostami R.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31486352

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on iron and food fortification/malnutrition right here.