Impact of Iron-Fortified Rice on Anaemia Among Adolescent Girls in Tribal Areas: A Comprehensive Literature Review

Author Name: Sandhya Rajbhar, Parmar Riddhi, Parmar Nidhi, Khede Purnima

Volume: 03/02

Country: India

DOI NO.: 11.2023-61555522 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/07.2025-22244137/GIJNR

Affiliation:

1. Asst. Professor, Parul Institute of Nursing, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat
2. Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing Students, Parul Institute of Nursing, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
3. Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing Students, Parul Institute of Nursing, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
4. Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing Students, Parul Institute of Nursing, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat, India

ABSTRACT

Background: Anemia, particularly iron-deficiency anemia (IDA), continues to pose a major public health concern in India, with adolescent girls being among the most vulnerable. This condition leads to impaired physical growth, reduced cognitive performance, and increased risk during pregnancy. Tribal communities, owing to their socioeconomic constraints and dietary insufficiencies, exhibit disproportionately high anemia prevalence. Among emerging interventions, fortification of staple foods such as rice with iron presents a promising, sustainable strategy to address this burden. Objective: To comprehensively review and synthesize existing literature on the impact of iron-fortified rice in reducing anemia prevalence among adolescent girls, with a focus on tribal and underserved populations in India. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and national health repositories. The review included peer-reviewed studies, government policy documents, and programmatic evaluations from 2015 to 2024. Selection criteria included studies evaluating iron-fortified rice interventions targeting adolescent girls aged 10–19 years in tribal or rural settings. Results: Substantial evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), field evaluations, and public health programs indicates that iron-fortified rice leads to significant improvements in hemoglobin levels and reductions in anemia prevalence among adolescent girls. Notable initiatives, including the RIDDHI project in Maharashtra, have demonstrated statistically significant gains in hemoglobin levels and declines in moderate-to-severe anemia following six months of intervention. Conclusion: Iron-fortified rice serves as an efficacious and scalable public health intervention, particularly in high-risk tribal areas. Its integration into national nutrition schemes such as the Mid-Day Meal Program, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), and Public Distribution System (PDS) can accelerate India's progress toward achieving its Anaemia Mukt Bharat (Anaemia-Free India) objectives.

Key words: Anemia, Iron Deficiency, Food Fortification, Adolescent Health, Tribal Communities, Iron-Fortified Rice, Public Health Nutrition