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

ABSTRACT

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.