Food fortification is a big public health success story. The addition of small nutrients to basic foods has the power to eliminate many preventable diet-related diseases. In 2023, a number of countries, including Canada, championed a resolution calling on the World Health Organization to “accelerate efforts for preventing micronutrient deficiencies and their consequences . . ” which was unanimously passed. Fortifying salt with iodine helps to prevent irreversible brain damage in young children. Fortifying flour with iron helps to protect against anemia, and fortifying flour with folic acid helps to reduce the occurence of neural tube birth defects. Fortifying staple foods with vitamin A supports eyesight, boosts immune systems, and can save hundreds of thousands of lives each year. People in all countries, not just wealthy ones, should have access to quality, fortified foods. Read more in GRAN’s Small Sips Child Hunger #5
Small Sips: Child Hunger
