Micronutrient fortified condiments reduce anemia in children and adults due to micronutrient deficiencies

Objectives:
Micronutrient deficiencies impose a considerable burden of disease on many middle and low income countries. Several strategies have been shown to be effective in improving micronutrient deficiencies. However, the impact of fortified condiments as well as fortified noodles is less well documented. Therefore, this meta-analysis (review article) has been conducted.

What is the impact of micronutrient fortified condiments on hemoglobin, anemia and functional outcomes in children and adults (age: 5 to 50 years)?

Study design:
This review article included 14 RCTs comprising 8845 people with a mean age between 7.3 and 34 years. Mean follow-up was 0.88 years (range: 2.4 months to 2 years).

Only in 2 trials was multi-micronutrient fortification used, e.g. additional fortification with vitamin A, zinc and folate. In the other 12 studies, iron was the net difference in multi-micronutrient exposition between intervention and control groups.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found in 12 RCTs that micronutrient fortification of condiments significantly increased hemoglobin concentrations by 0.74 g/dL [95% CI = 0.56 to 0.93].

The investigators found different types of iron preparations showed no differences in rise of hemoglobin concentrations (NaFeEDTA: 0.69 g/dL vs. 0.68 g/dL for other preparations).

The investigators found micronutrient fortification also led to a reduced risk of 41% for having anemia [risk ratio 0.59, 95% CI = 0.44 to 0.80].

The investigators found ferritin concentrations significantly increased with fortified condiments.

The investigators concluded the use of micronutrient fortified condiments can be a strategy to reduce anemia in children and adults due to micronutrient deficiencies beyond supplementation programs and fortification of staple food.

Original title:
Micronutrient Fortified Condiments and Noodles to Reduce Anemia in Children and Adults—A Literature Review and Meta-Analysis by Hess S, Tecklenburg L and Eichler K.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4772051/

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