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Use of iron-fortified rice reduces anemia in infants

Francisco Plácido Nogueira Arcanjo1, Paulo Roberto Santos, Caio Plácido Costa Arcanjo

  • 1Federal University of Ceara, Sobral Unit, Brazil. placidoarcanjo@yahoo.com.br

Journal of Tropical Pediatrics
|May 31, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Weekly iron-fortified rice (Ultrarice®) significantly increased hemoglobin and reduced anemia prevalence in Brazilian infants. This food fortification strategy is effective for combating iron deficiency in vulnerable populations.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health Nutrition
  • Nutritional Epidemiology
  • Pediatric Nutrition

Background:

  • Iron deficiency anemia is a significant global health concern, particularly affecting infants and young children.
  • Food fortification is a key strategy to address micronutrient deficiencies in populations.
  • Rice is a staple food, making it a suitable vehicle for fortification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of weekly iron-fortified rice consumption on hemoglobin levels and anemia prevalence in infants.
  • To compare the effects of fortified rice versus standard rice in a controlled study setting.

Main Methods:

  • A cluster-randomized study involving 216 infants aged 10-23 months in Brazilian child day care centers over 18 weeks.
  • The intervention group received weekly portions of iron-fortified rice (50g, 56.4mg elemental iron).
  • The control group received standard rice.

Main Results:

  • The intervention group showed a significant increase in mean hemoglobin levels (11.44 to 11.67 g/dL, p<0.029).
  • Anemia prevalence decreased significantly in the intervention group (31.25% to 18.75%, p=0.045).
  • No significant changes in hemoglobin or anemia prevalence were observed in the control group.

Conclusions:

  • Weekly consumption of iron-fortified rice (Ultrarice®) is effective in improving hemoglobin levels and reducing anemia in infants.
  • Rice fortification presents a viable public health intervention to combat iron deficiency in young children.
  • The Number Needed to Treat (NNT) was 7, indicating a favorable therapeutic impact.

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