A study was recently conducted among 43 women in Maharashtra to test the impact of fortifying tea with folate and vitamin B12. The results indicated a significant increase in both folate and vitamin B12 levels and a substantial surge in hemoglobin levels. Nevertheless, the research’s validity has been questioned due to its limited sample size.
The Potential Game-Changer: Tea Fortification
Fortifying tea with folate and vitamin B12 could be key to countering anaemia and neural-tube defects (NTDs) in Indian women, given that tea is a prevalent beverage in India. Poor dietary intake of folate and vitamin B12 among Indian women often contributes to long-term low vitamin status, which can lead to anaemia and increased incidence of NTDs. Folate deficiency can cause severe birth defects, highlighting the importance of vitamins B12 and folate for red blood cell production.
Challenges Associated with Tea Fortification
However, tea fortification faces several challenges. Its cultivation is limited to the highlands of only four states: Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Many tea-growing regions also lack adequate infrastructure for the processing and packaging of fortified tea. Plus, cultural, religious, and ethnic differences cause considerable variations in diets across the country.
About Food Fortification
Fortification is the practice of adding critical vitamins and minerals, like iron, iodine, and zinc, to staple foods such as rice, milk, and salt to boost their nutritional content. These nutrients may or may not have been present in the food before processing.
Status of Food Fortification Programs in India
India’s Department of Food and Public Distribution has an ongoing “Centrally Sponsored Pilot Scheme on Fortification of Rice”. Moreover, decisions on fortifying wheat were made in 2018 and are being implemented across 12 states under India’s flagship Poshan Abhiyaan. Fortification of edible oil was also made compulsory across the country in 2018.
Significance and Challenges of Food Fortification
Food fortification can considerably improve population-wide health and is a cost-effective method for boosting nutrition. However, food fortification in India is limited to a few food items, leading to inadequate nutrient intake. The blending process can negatively impact natural food protective substances, and excessive iron consumption can harm fetal development and birth outcomes.
Steps Towards Addressing the Challenges
The government could play a crucial role in promoting tea fortification by implementing policies mandating the addition of specific nutrients to tea. Second, tea manufacturers can help boost tea fortification by investing in research and development (R&D) and introducing fortified tea to the market. Increasing consumer awareness about fortified tea’s benefits can also promote consumption. Lastly, ensuring a robust logistics system will enable the smooth distribution of fortified tea without losing nutritional value.