Combatting iron deficiency anemia

The evaluation, which is attached to a Project Paper Amendment of 8/28/81 (PD-AAH-948-A1), covers the period 5/76-1/80 and was conducted by a non-AID Review Committee which interviewed A.I.D. Regional Bureau Nutritional Advisors, A.I.D. Office of Nutrition staff, and a U.S. Department of Agriculture representative. The Committee judged the project to be outstanding in both scope and quality. Various meals, fortified foods, and iron supplements have been selected and their iron bioavailability assessed. Fundamental research has been conducted to ascertain the impact of iron deficiency on muscle function and body temperature regulation. Field testing of iron-EDTA in Guatemala is nearing completion and preliminary results indicate that the substance may have widespread application in the iron fortification of sugar and other centrally processed foods. Information has been disseminated and exchanged through International Nutritional Anemia Consultative Group (INACG) meetings, services, and publications. The book, "Iron Deficiency in Infancy and Childhood," has been well received and two other books, one on iron deficiency in women, the other on the state-of-the art of food iron technology, are planned. Problems have been encountered in stimulating LDC governments to treat the alleviation of iron deficiency anemia as a national priority. Project efforts have also been constrained by the lack of a knowledgeable and experienced institution in the area of food iron technology. The principal lesson learned has been that an overlap among sequential activities within a project is not only unavoidable but is often desirable. Thus, it is recommended that concurrent project efforts continue in the development of fortification products in the areas of bioavailability and food iron technology.