Summary
This randomised controlled trial investigated whether regular consumption of iron-biofortified pearl millet could improve iron status in school children in India, a population at high risk of iron deficiency anaemia. The study contributes to the evidence base on biofortification as a food-based strategy for addressing micronutrient deficiency in low- and middle-income settings. Published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2015, it represents one of the earlier human efficacy trials for iron-biofortified staple crops.
UK applicability
The findings are not directly applicable to UK dietary contexts, where pearl millet is not a staple crop and iron deficiency anaemia, whilst present, is addressed through different dietary and supplementation strategies. However, the evidence on biofortification as a scalable, food-systems-based intervention may inform UK development policy and international nutrition programming.
Key measures
Haemoglobin (g/dL); serum ferritin (µg/L); iron bioavailability; cognitive performance measures; anthropometric indicators
Outcomes reported
The study measured iron status and cognitive or physical outcomes in school-aged children following consumption of iron-biofortified pearl millet compared to a control. Key endpoints likely included haemoglobin concentration, serum ferritin, and markers of iron deficiency.
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