Assessing the Effectiveness of Double-fortified Salt in Improving Iron Biomarkers and Hemoglobin Concentration among Adolescent Girls in the Chandauli District, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Abstract

Background: Double fortified salt (DFS) is an innovative new fortified food product that provides humans with small but critical amounts of iodine and iron through their diet.

Objectives: The present study involved assessing the effectiveness of DFS in improving the status of iron biomarkers and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration among adolescent girls in Chandauli district, Uttar Pradesh.

Materials and methods: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted in 26 villages of the Chandauli district among 602 adolescent girls (15-19 years). Venous blood samples were collected from anemic adolescent girls, followed by a baseline survey. One group received DFS along with nutrition education, whereas the other group received iodized salt and nutrition education. An end line survey was conducted to compare the outcomes. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was employed to evaluate the differences in median values of biochemical parameters, and a regression test was used to assess the association of DFS with the change in serum iron levels from baseline to end line.

Results: The Hb levels among girls increased by 1.7 g% from baseline to end line (P < 0.001), and serum iron levels rose by 8.4 µg/dL (P < 0.001). After adjusting for covariates and confounders, the DFS was positively associated with a greater increase in serum iron levels compared to iodized salt (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: The present study identified an easy and economical solution to mitigate iron deficiency without causing side effects such as toxicity or stomach upset as with iron tablets. DFS is shown to be an effective public health strategy for enhancing the nutritional status and overall health among adolescent girls.