Elaboration of a standardized dataset for foods fortified with iron and folic acid in Brazil

This study aimed to elaborate a standardized dataset on FE and FOLAC content for fortified foods, according to fortification practices in Brazil. The content of added nutrients was estimated for all foods listed in the National Dietary Survey (NDS) using the recipe or ingredient list methods, borrowing from labels or imputing values from similar foods. Average consumption of FE and dietary folate equivalent (FOLDFE) was estimated by applying the developed dataset and a nFCT to consumption data from the NDS. The elaborated dataset comprises 140 food products and composite dishes including data for those most consumed in Brazil. The estimated average intake in the regions was 13–22% lower for FE and 19–35% lower for FOLDFE when the elaborated dataset was not included in the calculation. The elaborated dataset may allow for the evaluation of the impact of mandatory fortification of flours in Brazil. The same approach can be used in other countries to improve national data on fortified foods.
Source: Journal of Food Composition and Analysis - Category: Food Science Source Type: research