Why Rice Fortification?
Over 65% of India’s population consumes rice daily. Hence, we are dependent on rice in our daily meals. Iron, zinc, folic acid, and other B vitamins are commonly added to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
A survey showed that urban households had major nutritional deficiencies even though they look healthy due to extended consumption of junk and high cholesterol foods. On the go lifestyles and the rise of ordering foods also has given rise to unhealthy dietary habits.
In 2016, an estimated 107,000 deaths were caused by iron deficiency anemia and other nutritional deficiencies. Pregnant women with severe anemia are twice as likely to die during or shortly after pregnancy than non-anemic women.
About 75% of children with brain and spine birth defects die before their fifth birthday; many of these birth defects could be prevented with folic acid (vitamin B9).
What is Fortification?
Rice fortification is a cost-effective, culturally appropriate strategy to address micronutrient deficiency in countries with high per capita rice consumption. Fortification adds more vitamins and minerals in the rice which it loses while milling and polishing. Fortification, also known as enrichment, is a process that increases the level of micronutrients and vitamins in the food.
Most common vehicles for fortification are rice, salt, wheat, corn and oil.
Health Benefits of Fortification
Iron
- Helps prevent anemia
- Better gut health
- Boosts haemoglobin
- Boosts concentration and energy
Folic Acid:
- Helps improve brain and nerve functions
- Helps in prevention of birth defects
Vitamin B12:
- Helps combat weakness and tiredness
- Helps prevent anemia
- Helps in bone health
- May Improve Mood and Symptoms of Depression
- Supports healthy hair and skin
Zinc:
- Boosts immune system
- Accelerates wound healing
- Reduces the risk of certain age related diseases
- Decreases inflammation
- Boosts learning and memory
Vitamin A:
- Prevents night blindness
- May lower risk of some cancers
- Reduces risk of acne
- Supports bone health
- Promotes healthy growth and reproduction
Vitamin B1:
- Helps in better vision
- Aids in reducing stress
- Boosts immunity system
General Benefits of Fortification:
The health of a large section of the population is improved at a time
It does not replace the characteristics of the food
This is a cost-effective method
This process is beneficial for urban area’s people that they don’t have time to invest in health
It does not require any changes in eating patterns or food habits of people.
Rice Fortification can also be a replacement to supplementary pills for iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, etc.