Fortified Salt Research

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ReachAnother Supports Research on Fortified Salt to Improve Women’s Health in Ethiopia

A groundbreaking study published in Food Science & Nutrition has revealed the positive impact of double and triple fortified salts on Ethiopian women of reproductive age. Funded in part by ReachAnother, this research explores the potential of iodine, folic acid, and vitamin B12 fortified salts to tackle nutritional deficiencies in Ethiopia, where these issues remain a major concern.

Iodine deficiency is widespread in Ethiopia, while folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiencies also pose significant health risks, particularly during pregnancy. The study aimed to address these gaps by introducing fortified salts as a practical, cost-effective solution.

The findings were promising: both double fortified salt (with iodine and folic acid) and triple fortified salt (with iodine, folic acid, and vitamin B12) were well accepted by women, showing no adverse effects. This innovative intervention could play a crucial role in improving the health of women and children in the region, by addressing these micronutrient deficiencies with a simple and sustainable product.

Key Findings:

  1. High Acceptance: The fortified salts were highly accepted by Ethiopian women, with no negative side effects reported.
  2. Health Impact: This intervention can improve health outcomes by addressing critical micronutrient deficiencies, especially in pregnancy.
  3. Sustainability: Fortified salt offers a cost-effective, long-term solution for improving public health, eliminating the need for complex supplementation programs.

This study is a significant step forward in the fight against malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries, with the support of ReachAnother. Their funding has helped bring this solution to light, offering a promising way to improve the health of vulnerable populations in Ethiopia and beyond.

Source:

Biniyam Tesfaye, Masresha Tessema, Charles D. Arnold, Tadesse Kebebe, Tesfaye Zeru, Teshome Assefa, Meseret Woldeyohannes, Getachew Tollera, Marinus Koning, Homero Martinez, Christine M. McDonald, Kenneth H. Brown. (2025). Double Fortified Salt Containing Iodine and Folic Acid and Triple Fortified Salt Containing Iodine, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12 Are Acceptable to Ethiopian Women of Reproductive Age. Food Science & Nutrition, 13(2). https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.70012