India, March 27 -- New research in The Lancet Global Health provides first-ever global estimates of how fortified foods improve nutrition - and maps a path to dramatically expand benefits at minimal cost

Large-scale food fortification-adding essential vitamins and minerals to staple foods like flour, rice, oil, and salt-currently prevents approximately 7 billion nutrient gaps worldwide each year at a cost of just 18 cents per person, according to a new study published in The Lancet Global Health. The landmark study provides the first-ever comprehensive global analysis of both the cost and impact of food fortification and provides a roadmap to triple current impact globally.

High food costs and persistent poverty continue to keep nutriti...