Food fortification in India - A review

Food fortification, the addition of essential nutrients to commonly consumed foods, presents a cost-effective strategy to combat micronutrient deficiencies, a significant public health challenge, particularly in developing countries such as India. This review examines the concept of food fortification, its various methods (mass, targeted, point-of-use, and bio fortification), and its current status in India. It explores the benefits of fortification, citing the examples of successful programs globally and highlighting the potential for improved health outcomes, especially for women and children. The review also addresses the challenges faced in implementing effective fortification programs in India, including weak legal frameworks, low prioritization, industry challenges, and inadequate monitoring. Finally, it offers recommendations for future directions, emphasizing the need for stronger regulatory frameworks, increased investment in bio fortification, improved monitoring and evaluation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and public-private partnerships to ensure the successful implementation and scale-up of food fortification initiatives, ultimately contributing to improved nutritional status and public health.