Mandatory large-scale food fortification programmes can reduce the estimated prevalence of inadequate zinc intake by up to 50% globally.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Mathematical simulation and modeling based on macro-level food balance sheet data
PubMed 38898330 · doi:10.1038/s43016-024-00997-w
What was done
Used Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) food balance sheet data to estimate current country-specific rates of inadequate dietary zinc intake. Modeled the prospective impact of improving existing or implementing new mandatory large-scale food fortification (LSFF) programmes for cereal grains across 40 countries identified as having potential public health concerns regarding zinc deficiency.
What was found
Accounting for existing LSFF programmes, an estimated 15% of the global population (1.13 billion individuals) has inadequate zinc intake. Implementing high-quality mandatory LSFF including zinc in the 40 targeted countries was estimated to reduce the global prevalence of inadequate zinc intake by up to 50%.
Why it matters
Provides quantitative modeling to support mandatory cereal fortification as a scalable strategy to address global micronutrient deficiencies. It helps policymakers prioritize national fortification mandates in vulnerable regions.
Limits
The findings are derived from theoretical simulation using macro-level national food supply data rather than measured individual dietary intake or clinical biomarkers of zinc status. The model assumes optimal programme implementation, fortificant quality, and coverage, and does not capture intra-household distribution disparities or individual variations in zinc absorption and bioavailability.
Cited by
- partial An estimated 2 billion people worldwide are zinc deficient.