The potential of various foods to serve as a carrier for micronutrient fortification, data from remote areas in Indonesia

Objective: To estimate the potential of various industrially produced foods, to serve as a carrier for micronutrient fortification based on the frequency of their consumption in different socio-economic strata; to determine the role of fortified instant noodles as a source of micronutrients; to assess the contribution of plant foods, animal foods and fortified foods to vitamin A intake. Setting: A survey was conducted in rural South Sulawesi and urban South Kalimantan between November 1996 and January 1997. Subjects: Households (1500 in South Sulawesi; 2112 in South Kalimantan) were selected randomly by multi-stage cluster sampling. From each household, data were collected from the mother and her youngest child (0-5y). Data collection: Mothers were interviewed on various topics, including socio-economic status, food consumption, receipt of high-dose vitamin A capsules, health and nutritional status. Results: Monosodium glutamate and salt were consumed daily in almost all households in both areas, and consumption was not associated with socio-economic status. Instant noodles were consumed in nearly all households in both areas, but consumption of fortified noodles was related to socio-economic status, it was highest among households of government employees and private investors, and lowest among farmers and share-croppers. Vegetables were the most important source of vitamin A in rural South Sulawesi, while foods of animal origin were the most important source in urban South Kalimantan. Conclusions: The results support double or triple fortification of salt and/or monosodium glutamate with iodine, vitamin A and /or iron. Efforts to overcome associated technical and logistical difficulties are urgently needed.