Key Update

Iron deficiency remains one of India’s most widespread nutrition challenges, often showing up quietly as fatigue, low energy, and reduced immunity. It continues to be a leading cause of anaemia, particularly among children, adolescents, and women. To address this gap, ITC Aashirvaad has introduced Iron Shakti Salt, a fortified salt designed to deliver iron through a staple used in everyday cooking. The idea is simple: add essential nutrition to a habit that already exists in every kitchen. One teaspoon (5 g) of the salt provides 25% of the average daily iron requirement, according to ICMR-NIN guidelines, without changing the taste of food.

Nutrition in a pinch

The iron delivered through a small pinch of the salt is roughly comparable to that found in a bowl of spinach, making it easy to add iron to daily dishes such as dal, sabzi, or roti. Anaemia remains widespread in India. National surveys show that 67% of pre-school children, 59% of adolescent girls, and 57% of adult women are affected. The condition also impacts 31% of adolescent boys and 24% of children aged 5–9, highlighting a significant nutrition gap across the population.

Why diet alone may fall short

Meeting daily iron needs through food alone can be difficult. Depending on age, it may require several servings of iron-rich foods—sometimes multiple bowls of spinach or several beetroots a day—which may not be practical for many households.

Building on earlier initiatives

According to Anuj Rustagi, Business Unit Chief Executive, Staples, ITC Ltd, iron deficiency often goes unnoticed despite its impact on daily energy levels, particularly among children and women. Insights from the ITC Project Samposhan over the past five years have shown that regular use of iron-fortified salt can help reduce anaemia. The new launch builds on these learnings by making it easier for families to add iron and iodine to everyday meals.

Source: Times Entertainment