India's Anaemia Burden: Iron-Fortified Salt May Not Be The Solution

The Hindu - Science · science

India faces a significant anaemia burden, with over half of women and two-thirds of young children affected according to NFHS-5. Double-fortified salt, containing iodine and iron, is proposed as a solution due to its widespread consumption. However, this approach faces scrutiny as Indians consume salt at twice the WHO-recommended limit, contributing to hypertension. The country's own non-communicable disease plan aims to reduce salt intake, making iron fortification via salt a potentially counterproductive public health strategy.