Question

Double Fortified Salt consists

• A. Iron & Iodine
• B. Iodine & vitamin A
• C. Iron & vitamin D
• D. Iodine & vitamin D

Hint:

Double Fortified Salt (DFS) targets two major nutritional deficiencies simultaneously: Iron Deficiency Anaemia (using encapsulated iron) and Goiter/Iodine Deficiency Disorders (using potassium iodate).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the nutritional composition of Double Fortified Salt (DFS), a public health intervention product designed to combat micronutrient deficiencies.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

• Concept of Food Fortification: Fortification is the practice of deliberately increasing the content of essential micronutrients in a food to improve the nutritional quality of the food supply and provide a public health benefit with minimal health risks.

• Target Deficiencies: Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) and Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA) are two of the most prevalent micronutrient deficiencies globally, particularly in developing nations.

• Double Fortified Salt (DFS): DFS is a specialized formulation of common table salt ($NaCl$) that has been fortified with both Iodine and Iron.

• Chemical Composition:

• Iodine is added typically as potassium iodate ($KIO_3$).

• Iron is added in a stable, bioavailable form (such as ferrous sulfate encapsulated with lipid barriers, or microencapsulated ferric pyrophosphate) to prevent chemical reaction with the iodine, which could cause discoloration and loss of iodine.

• Other Options: Vitamins A, D, and calcium are often used to fortify milk or edible oils, but they are not the primary components of standard Double Fortified Salt.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Double Fortified Salt is fortified with both Iron and Iodine, making option (A) the correct choice.