Effect of vitamin-enriched bread on the vitamin status of an isolated rural community--a controlled clinical trial.

Malnutrition is an inclusive term that entails the lack, excess or imbalance of one or more nutrients required to maintain normal nutritional status and optimal health. Malnutrition affects a large segment of the world's children. 1 It is estimated that the prevalence of childhood malnutrition in South Africa ranges from 5% to 50% of the current poputation.2 It is well documented that an inadequate intake of micronutrients causes deficiency disorders and that such deficiencies often accompany malnutrTtion. 3 The dietary intake of calcium, iron, zinc, folic acid, riboflavin, vitamin 86 and vitamin C has been reported to be low, in comparison with the recommended dietary allowances (RDA),4 in a significant proportion of children in the country; it is often lower than 67% of the RDA, indicating a population at risk of deficiency.s» In adults 15 - 64 years of age, the dietary intake of such micronutrients as vitamin 8 6 , iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper and folic acid has also been reported to be significantly lower than the RDA.S,S Fortification of food staples has been successfully implemented in a number of countries to increase the dietary intake of micronutrients. 7