Using Double-Fortified Salt to Reduce Iron Deficiency Anemia in India

Schultink discusses the study by Makkar et al on the benefit-to-cost ratio of reducing iron deficiency anemia in India through salt fortified with both iodine and iron. In India, salt has advantages over wheat flour as a vehicle for fortification because of its more universal consumption and relative low variability in daily intake. Thus, the double fortification of salt with iron and iodine seems an attractive approach. The study used an existing consumer expenditure survey and linked it to an existing employment survey. Combined survey data were used to assess nutrient intakes, intakes of iron absorption inhibitors and enhancers, iron-deficiency anemia prevalences, and the impact of DFS on anemia, as well as the impact on income due to improved iron status.