Food fortification, when combined with social safety net programmes (school feeding schemes, distribution to poor or vulnerable groups, food for work programmes, food aid during emergency situations) have been effective tools for the delivery of fortified food and the dissemination of information on diets.
Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia persist as the most important single nutrient deficiency in the world, despite several decades of efforts to achieve its control. In South Africa, after four years of implementing a vitamin A fortified biscuit in schools, vitamin A deficiency has not been eradicated, despite the biscuits providing 50% of the daily recommended dietary allowance for carotene and 10% for vitamin A.
Over the years, iron fortification has been mandatory in several countries, but no overall improvement has been noted. This situation should improve in the near future as chelated minerals replace the iron compounds used in food fortification programmes. Results from recent studies prove that chelated minerals are superior to the iron compounds used in past programmes.
CELANEM has promoted much research into the use of Ferrochel iron and results show it is well absorbed, even in the presence of inhibitors, does not produce gastric discomfort, has low toxicity, is well tolerated, and its absorption is regulated by the iron stores of the body.
Studies on milk, bread, sugar and flour fortified with Ferrochal iron show dramatically increased improvements in the levels of deficiency in the body compared with the results of iron from ferrous sulphate.
Ferrochel iron added to multivitamin preparations does not affect the stability of the vitamins, especially vitamin A, which deteriorates rapidly in the presence of inorganic iron compounds. It remains soluble at different pH levels, and its bioavailability is not altered. Ferrochel iron has emerged as the best available iron compound for the control of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia.
Summary
Fortification is a safe and secure macro, micro, trace nutritional intervention, proven to benefit individuals at every point in the growth stages of human life, from conception to senior citizens. In addition, breastfeeding mothers, children, adolescents, and adults (regardless of gender) in their reproductive years, need the nutrients included in the fortified cereal grains as scientifically selected.
Fortification improves productivity, with a corresponding reduction in healthcare expenditure. Globally, food fortification addresses several aims of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Sustainable Development Goals and can supply the body with the nutrients lost in crops because of climatic stress.
In 2016, an estimated 107,000 deaths were caused by iron deficiency anaemia and other nutritional deficiencies. Pregnant women with severe anaemia are two-fold more likely to succumb to death during or shortly after pregnancy than non-anaemic women. About 75% of children with brain and spinal birth defects die before their fifth birthday. Many of these birth defects could be prevented with folic acid (vitamin B9), which is incorporated in Thrivosity’ s nutrient blend, Too yum.
Nutritional deficiencies also impact survivors. For example, iron deficiency in childhood development stunts cognitive development which hinders academic performance and future earning potential. Spina bifida, a spinal birth defect, has varying degrees of severity, and often leads to life-long disability.
