Micronutrient-fortified rice improves haemoglobin, anaemia prevalence and cognitive performance among schoolchildren in Gujarat, India: a case-control study. (4th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mahapatra, Sudip; Parker, Megan E.; Dave, Niraj; Zobrist, Stephanie C.; Shajie Arul, Danie; King, Allie; Betigeri, Arvind; Sachdeva, Ruchika
• Is Part Of: International journal of food sciences and nutrition. Volume 72:Number 5(2021)
• Page Start: 690
• Page End: 703
• Publication Date: 2021-07-04
• Subjects: Rice fortification -- iron -- haemoglobin -- anaemia -- micronutrients -- cognition; Food -- Analysis -- Periodicals; Nutrition -- Periodicals; 641.3
• DOI: 10.1080/09637486.2020.1855126
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0963-7486

Abstract

Abstract: Anaemia is a public health problem in India. A case-control, quasi-experimental study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a multiple micronutrient fortified rice intervention among school children (6–12 years) through the midday meal programme in Gujarat, India, over 8 months. The fortified rice provided approximately 10% Recommended Dietary Allowance of iron; 25–33% of vitamin A, thiamine, niacin and vitamin B6; and 100% of folic acid and vitamin B12. Outcomes of interest included haemoglobin concentration, anaemia prevalence, and cognitive performance. Cognitive performance was evaluated using J-PAL-validated Pratham reading and mathematics testing tools. 973 children completed the study (cases n = 484; controls n = 489). The intervention significantly increased mean haemoglobin by 0.4 g/dL ( p = 0.001), reduced anaemia prevalence by 10% ( p < 0.00001), and improved average cognitive scores by 11.3 points ( p < 0.001). Rice fortification can help address anaemia in settings where rice is a staple food.