This study evaluated national-level data to determine whether fortifying wheat and maize flour with nutrients like iron, folic acid, vitamin A, or vitamin B12 reduced anaemia prevalence among non-pregnant women. Data were sourced from Demographic and Health Survey reports, the WHO Vitamin and Mineral Nutrition Information System database, and other national nutrition surveys from countries with at least two anaemia assessments.
Key Points:
- Each year of flour fortification was associated with a 2.4% reduction in anaemia prevalence (PR 0.976, 95% CI 0.975–0.978).
- No significant reduction in anaemia prevalence over time was observed in countries that did not fortify flour (PR 0.999, 95% CI 0.997–1.002).
- Human development index (HDI) and endemic malaria were significant factors affecting anaemia prevalence.
Flour fortification with key micronutrients appears to significantly reduce anaemia prevalence, highlighting its potential as an effective public health intervention. This evidence supports its implementation, especially in areas with high anaemia burdens.
