Abstract:
A 20-year effort by Canadian researchers has yielded a cost-effective way to fortify salt with both iron and iodine. Studies found it reduced anemia by 66%, provided 30-50% of the daily recommended intake of iron, significantly improved cognitive skills and energy levels among women, and had broad consumer acceptance in 13 countries, including India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. DFS remains stable in hot and humid climates, is indistinguishable from regular salt, and can be easily manufactured in existing processing facilities. Building on extensive testing and impact assessments, work has begun to bring double fortified salt (DFS) to over 15 million people..