In some settings with a high burden of micronutrient deficiencies, condiments, such as salt and bouillon cubes, may be uniquely effective as fortification vehicles. Recent advancements in micro-encapsulation technology have made it possible to fortify salt with micronutrients beyond iodine. To investigate the potential of salt fortification to improve biomarkers of zinc and other micronutrients, IZiNCG and collaborators conducted a double-blind randomized, controlled, community-based trial of quintuply-fortified salt (i.e. QFS; i.e. salt fortified with zinc, iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, and iodine) vs. iodized salt among non-pregnant women of reproductive age and preschool children in Punjab, India.

Our new brief summarizes the design and key results of the trial. Takeaway messages include:

  • QFS provided approximately 3.3 mg of zinc/day to children, and 8.4 mg zinc/day to women.

  • Modest improvements in serum zinc concentrations were observed among women who received QFS at 6 months; however, this effect was not sustained at 12 months. Significant differences in serum zinc were not detected among children.

  • Women and children receiving QFS exhibited substantial and sustained improvements in vitamin B12 and folate status. Effects on biomarkers of iron were modest and inconsistent.

  • Although condiment fortification represents a promising and scalable strategy to improve intake and status of zinc and other micronutrients, additional research is needed to optimize dose, formulation and delivery through condiment vehicles in order to achieve meaningful and sustained improvements.

This research was made possible through support from the Gates Foundation, the Thrasher Research Fund, and the International Zinc Association. Read the full brief here. The primary endpoints manuscript describing the effects of QFS among women was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and can be downloaded here. The manuscript describing the effects of QFS among children was published in the Journal of Nutrition and can be downloaded here.