Effect of Double Fortified Salt Supplementation on Iodine and Hemoglobin Status of School Children of Rural Vadodara, India.

Iron deficiency along with iodine deficiency affects the developing brains, physical and mental growth of the children. Multiple micronutrient deficiencies co-exists in developing countries at a higher rate due to monotonous diets with low nutrient density. Hence, food fortification has been used as a tool to increase the content of essential micronutrients. Aim Our study was aimed to assess the efficacy of DFS supplementation on iodine and hemoglobin status of the rural school children Methods Interventional study. Rural school children (6-15 yrs) randomly divided into experimental and control group. Experimental were supplemented with double fortified salt (DFS) and controls consumed adequately iodized salt (IS). Pre and post hemoglobin concentration (Hb) and urinary iodine (UI) recorded. Results Mean Hb increased in experimental (+0.42 g/dl) (p<0.001) and decreased in control group (-0.54 g/dl) (p<0.001). The intensity of anemia classification decreased in experimental group and increased in control group. UI increased significantly in both the groups (p<0.001). Hence, DFS is proven to be beneficial compared to IS.

Prevalence of iodine and iron malnutrition among rural school children of Gujarat, India.

Background-Iodine and iron deficiencies are responsible for reversible brain damage, mental retardation, stunted growth, development and low immunity in school children. The consequences are more severe when encompassed by malnutrition. Higher enormity of all may worsen the situation. Objective- To determine the magnitude of micronutrient malnutrition in rural school children of Gujarat, India Methods - 947 children, enrolled from 4 schools. Anthropometric measurements, urinary iodine excretion and haemoglobin were assessed. Results- Malnutrition was highly prevalent with 70% of children being underweight, 55% children suffered stunting and 45% had lower BMI, using WHO 2007 and CDC 2000. Prevalence of iron deficiency anemia was 99% where as iodine deficiency disorders was 30%. Mean haemoglobin level was 9.17± 1.22 g/dl and median urinary iodine excretion was 145.91μg/l. Adequately iodized salt was consumed by 82.4% population. Though majority of the subjects are consuming iodized salt, the prevalence of iodine deficiency is higher. Conclusion - Hence, there is a need to ensure best usage and storage practices for iodized salt. There is an interrelationship between stunting and micronutrient deficiencies. Children are in a transition phase of malnutrition; hence, there is a need to strengthen school meal program, health program and thorough awareness campaigning is required from ground level to the beneficiaries. There is a need to introduce a common vehicle for all; like double fortified salt; to address both the micronutrient deficiencies along with improving upon nutritional status.