Potential impacts of iron biofortification in India

摘要: Iron deficiency is a widespread nutrition and health problem in developing countries, causing impairments physical activity cognitive development, as well maternal mortality. Although food fortification supplementation programmes have been effective some their overall success remains limited. Biofortification, that is, breeding crops for higher micronutrient content, relatively new approach, which has gaining international attention recently. We propose methodology ex ante impact assessment of iron biofortification, building on disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) framework. This applied an Indian context. Using large representative data set household consumption, the likely effects iron-rich rice wheat varieties are simulated different target groups regions. These varieties, being developed by public research consortium, based conventional techniques, might be ready local distribution within next couple years. The results indicate sizeable potential benefits. Depending underlying assumptions, disease burden associated with could reduced 19-58%. Due to low institutional cost reach population, expected cost-effectiveness biofortification compares favourably other interventions. Nonetheless, should not seen substitute Each approach its particular strengths, so they complement one another.