Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) continues to be a public health priority in Peru and the world. The prevalence of the condition is high in women of reproductive age regardless of geographic area and socioeconomic status. Fortification of staple foods is recognized as a cost-effective strategy to reverse iron deficiency. In Peru, iron fortification of wheat flour and derived products is mandatory, but to date its effect on the IDA has not been evaluated. In recent years, evidence has been generated on the positive effect of zinc, vitamin A and vitamin B12 supplementation on hemoglobin (Hb) levels. This project is a three-arm randomized clinical trial that seeks to evaluate the effect of consuming two slices of bread fortified with a multivitamin premix (iron, folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin B12 and zinc) daily on iron deficiency anemia in non-pregnant women of reproductive age. As a control, one group will receive standard bread fortified according to Peruvian legislation and a third group will not receive treatment.
The project aims to assess if consuming two slices of multi-fortified bread daily for 120 days is effective in reducing iron deficiency anemia in women of reproductive age through a three-arm randomized trial.