Effect of Fortified Wheat Flour on Anemia Status of Adolescent Hostel Girls

Abstract

This study was aimed to determine the effect of fortified wheat flour on the hemoglobin level of anemic hostel girls belonging to Abbottabad. In this interventional study, fortified wheat flour was provided to hostel kitchen for the study subjects. Blood hemoglobin concentrations and anthropometric measurements of all participating hostel girls (n=219) were determined initially (Day-0) and at the end of 4 months feeding period. Mean age of the subjects was 21.88 years, with an average initial BMI of 24.71 kg/ m2. Findings of the efficacy trial showed that the average hemoglobin level in anemic girls increased from 8.99 to 9.94g/dl. The prevalence of severe anemia was reduced from 8 to 4% (p < 0.05), moderate anemia reduced from 80 to 68%. However percentage of mild anemic girls increased from 12 to 28% as a result of shift of moderate anemic subjects to mild anemic group. It is concluded from the study results that prevalence rate of anemia among hostel girls reduced significantly and Hb levels improved after consuming iron fortified chapatti for 120 days.