Oxidative stress among non-anemic adults following flour fortification with iron: baseline data

Abstract

Background: It has been suggested that food fortification might be an inexpensive, simple and effective way to control and prevent iron deficiency and its related anemia in many countries. Despite the advantages of this approach and the fact that it has been implemented in some provinces in Iran for more than 6 years, many scientists in the country worry about the negative aspects of the extra iron distributed among non-anemic persons in the community.

Objective: This study was designed to assess the effect of the flour fortification program on oxidative stress biomarkers and iron status among non-anemic 40- to 65-year-old adults.

Study design: This study had a special design that was implemented in 3 different parts. The main and first part was a field study. We randomized 2 cities in 1 province. In each city, 200 volunteers (100 men and 100 women) were selected using a multi-stage stratified method. Examination and interview (filling out data collection forms) were the methods of data gathering. In each of the 3 phases, demographic, anthropometric, blood pressure, micro- and macronutrient intakes, physical activities, and some oxidative stress biomarkers were the main data that were gathered. The results of this study can help health policy makers in designing future interventions in the country based on food fortification.