Modeling Food Fortification Contributions to Micronutrient Requirements in Malawi Using Household Consumption and Expenditure Surveys

Large-scale food fortification has the potential to increase micronutrient supplies in the food system but more information is needed to understand whether current strategies are equitably benefiting populations with the greatest micronutrient needs. This study applied a mathematical modeling framework to compare fortification scenarios across different contexts, using oil, sugar, and wheat flour fortification in Malawi through secondary data analyses of a Household Consumption and Expenditure Survey. While the model predicted large-scale food fortification would contribute to reducing vitamin A inadequacies, other interventions are necessary to meet other micronutrient requirements, especially for the rural poor.