OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to compare the economic costs and benefits of fortifying grain with folic acid to prevent neural tube defects. METHODS A cost-benefit analysis based on the US population, using the human capital approach to estimate the costs associated with preventable neural tube defects, was conducted. RESULTS Under a range of assumptions about discount rates, bas...

PURPOSE Elderly people are at risk for malnutrition, and those who consume a puréed diet may be particularly at risk. A fortification procedure was developed at a long-term care (LTC) facility, and nutrient intakes and serum vitamin levels were assessed to determine whether they subsequently increased. METHODS Fortification levels were determined using a combination of two techniques: the Die...

BACKGROUND In October 2003 South Africa embarked on a program of folic acid fortification of staple foods. We measured the change in prevalence of NTDs before and after fortification and assessed the cost benefit of this primary health care intervention. METHODS Since the beginning of 2002 an ecological study was conducted among 12 public hospitals in four provinces of South Africa. NTDs as w...

The aim of this work was to analyze the effect of sodium selenate fortification on the content of selenomethyl selenocysteine (SeMSC), total glucosinolates and sulforaphane, as well as the changes in protein profile of the inflorescences of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica). Two experimental groups were considered: plants treated with 100 μmol/L sodium selenate (final concentration in t...

innumerable percentage of the world population suffers from shortage of vitamins and minerals which is usually called malnutrition. enough perception and access of such essential vitamins and minerals have close relationship with eternity, physical and mental developments, good health, general welfare of individuals and societies. in this research, the fortification of yogurt with iron has been...

Parametric modelling approach applied to cultural heritage virtual representation is a field of research explored for years since it can address many limitations of digitising tools. For example, essential historical sources for fortification virtual reconstructions like plans-reliefs have several shortcomings when they are scanned. To overcome those problems, knowledge based-modelling can be u...

In January 2000, Chilean Ministry of Health mandated the addition of folic acid (FA) to wheat flour in order to reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs). This policy resulted in significant increases in serum and red cell folate in women of fertile age 1 year after fortification. To evaluate the effect of wheat flour fortification on the prevalence of NTDs in Chile we designed a prospectiv...

OBJECTIVE Iron fortification of flour has been sanctioned by the Brazilian government since 2004. The objective of the study was to assess the impact of flour fortification on hemoglobin level in children under six. METHODS A time-series study was carried out in Pelotas, southern Brazil, consisting of three assessments at a 12-month interval. In May 2004, before flour fortification, hemoglobi...

Food fortification generally refers to the addition of micronutrients and other favourably bio-active food components to food-stuffs where there are recognised deficiencies in the target population. Each forticant has had or could have regulatory implications. It is understandable, although arguable, in the face of a limited food supply skewed, for the majority, in the direction of starchy stap...

OBJECTIVE Data on the prevalence of birth defects and neural tube defects (NTD) in Latin America are limited. The present review summarizes NTD prevalence and time trends in Latin American countries and compares pre- and post-fortification periods to assess the impact of folic acid fortification in these countries. DESIGN We carried out a literature review of studies and institutional reports...