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Milestones and controversies in maternal and child health: examining a brief history of micronutrient fortification in the US

Abstract

Fortification of our food and drinking supply has decreased morbidity rates related to micronutrient deficiencies among mothers and their children, particularly during the perinatal and neonatal periods of development. The purpose of this historical review is to examine the impact of public policy changes related to micronutrient fortification. We provide a historical investigation of achievements and controversies related to iodine, vitamin D, fluoride and folic acid fortifications in our food and drinking supply. We also discuss the current status of fortification recommendations and their significance to maternal and child health.

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Acknowledgements

This work was partially supported by the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDD) Grant # 90DD0695, and the Maternal and Child Health Bureau’s California-Leadership in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Training Grant # T78MC00008.

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Deavenport-Saman, A., Britt, A., Smith, K. et al. Milestones and controversies in maternal and child health: examining a brief history of micronutrient fortification in the US. J Perinatol 37, 1180–1184 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2017.121

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