Assessing the effectiveness of flour fortification with iron in Kosovo, through blood iron measurement
Session
Agriculture, Food Science and Technology
Description
Food fortification is a key public health strategy to combat micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency anemia. In Kosovo, wheat flour, a staple food, has been fortified with iron and folic acid following the implementation of Law No. 04/L-114 in 2012, which made flour fortification mandatory. Despite this initiative, limited data exist on its effectiveness in improving iron and ferritin levels in the population or reducing anemia cases. This study aims to evaluate the impact of flour fortification with iron on the population of Kosovo by analyzing blood iron and ferritin levels, as well as the prevalence of anemia, before and after the enforcement of the law. Data were obtained from the Biochemistry and Hematology Clinics, complemented by a survey assessing public awareness about flour fortification. The results indicate a notable increase in average blood iron levels following the introduction of fortified flour, along with observable variations in anemia prevalence across age and gender groups. However, public awareness regarding the fortification program remains low. These findings highlight the effectiveness of the national flour fortification policy in improving iron status while emphasizing the need for enhanced public education and continuous monitoring.
Keywords:
flour fortification; iron; ferritin; anemia
Proceedings Editor
Edmond Hajrizi
ISBN
978-9951-982-41-2
Location
UBT Lipjan, Kosovo
Start Date
25-10-2025 9:00 AM
End Date
26-10-2025 6:00 PM
DOI
10.33107/ubt-ic.2025.182
Recommended Citation
Sejdiu, Rinor; Ajazi, Flutura C.; Gjergji, Tahire Maloku; Sadiku, Valon; Zogaj, Drita Kutllovci; Gafurri, Zana Baruti; and Ajazi, Flutura, "Assessing the effectiveness of flour fortification with iron in Kosovo, through blood iron measurement" (2025). UBT International Conference. 27.
https://knowledgecenter.ubt-uni.net/conference/2025UBTIC/AFCT/27
Assessing the effectiveness of flour fortification with iron in Kosovo, through blood iron measurement
UBT Lipjan, Kosovo
Food fortification is a key public health strategy to combat micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency anemia. In Kosovo, wheat flour, a staple food, has been fortified with iron and folic acid following the implementation of Law No. 04/L-114 in 2012, which made flour fortification mandatory. Despite this initiative, limited data exist on its effectiveness in improving iron and ferritin levels in the population or reducing anemia cases. This study aims to evaluate the impact of flour fortification with iron on the population of Kosovo by analyzing blood iron and ferritin levels, as well as the prevalence of anemia, before and after the enforcement of the law. Data were obtained from the Biochemistry and Hematology Clinics, complemented by a survey assessing public awareness about flour fortification. The results indicate a notable increase in average blood iron levels following the introduction of fortified flour, along with observable variations in anemia prevalence across age and gender groups. However, public awareness regarding the fortification program remains low. These findings highlight the effectiveness of the national flour fortification policy in improving iron status while emphasizing the need for enhanced public education and continuous monitoring.