Double Fortified Salt (DFS), which contains both iron and iodine, is being promoted as an affordable way to help tackle iron deficiency and anaemia in India. Advocates say incorporating the fortified salt into everyday diets could strengthen existing public health nutrition programmes.
Anaemia remains a major health concern in India, particularly among women and children. Iron deficiency is an important contributor, although anaemia can also result from other nutritional deficiencies, infections, inherited conditions and underlying illnesses.
The Government of India's Anaemia Mukt Bharat programme adopts a multifaceted approach that includes prevention, screening, treatment, dietary diversification and behaviour change. Supporters of DFS argue that the intervention could complement these efforts by delivering small amounts of iron through a widely consumed household ingredient.
Unlike supplements that require individuals to follow a separate daily regimen, fortified salt can be incorporated into routine cooking. This may help improve regular consumption, provided the product is available, affordable and used consistently.
The proposed intervention also contains iodine, an essential nutrient that helps support normal thyroid function. Combining iron and iodine in one product could help address two important micronutrient deficiencies through a single food vehicle.
Advocates estimate that DFS could cost approximately ₹14–₹20 per person annually, potentially making it an affordable population-level intervention. However, actual costs and benefits would depend on production, distribution, product quality and implementation.
Fortified salt should not be viewed as a standalone treatment for anaemia. People with suspected anaemia may require medical assessment to identify its cause and receive appropriate treatment. Public health programmes must also consider dietary diversity, food security and access to healthcare.
Wider adoption of DFS could support India's nutrition goals, but its effectiveness will depend on reliable supply, public awareness and continued monitoring.

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