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Review
. 2021 Feb 15;151(Suppl 1):29S-37S.
doi: 10.1093/jn/nxaa279.

Review of Experience of the Production of Salt Fortified with Iron and Iodine

Alister Shields  1 , Mohammed Anas Ansari  2
Affiliations
Review

Review of Experience of the Production of Salt Fortified with Iron and Iodine

Alister Shields et al. J Nutr. .

Abstract

The double fortification of salt with iodine and iron has been proposed as a method for the mass prevention of iron deficiency anemia. This article reports on the technical and financial aspects of the production of such double fortified salt (DFS) based on the experiences of current and past producers. It draws contrasts with the established process of fortifying salt solely with iodine particularly examining the cost and complexity of the processes involved. Based on these factors it questions the commercial viability of existing DFS formulations and thus their sustainability as vehicles for the widespread distribution of iron outside a subsidized environment. It makes suggestions for the future development of DFS particularly relating to the development of less expensive iron formulations suitable for use with lower quality salts and identifies key technical and economic areas to be taken into account when considering the production of DFS.

Keywords: commercial challenges; cost of fortification; double fortified salt; food fortification; fortificant production; fortification processes; iodine; iron.

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
The production process for the 2 most common types of DFS. DFS, double fortified salt; EFF, encapsulated ferrous fumarate; FS, ferrous sulfate; NaCl, sodium chloride; SHMP, sodium hexametaphosphate.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Estimated investments for various DFS production scenarios. NB: Feasible = Sustainable, socially and politically acceptable, and economically viable. Source = local or national production and/or importation.DFS, double fortified salt; tpa, metric tons per annum; USD, United States Dollar.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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