Health Benefits of Bread Fortification: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials according to the PRISMA Statement.

2023-10-20
Nutrients 15(20)
- Urszula Kaim
- Zuzanna Sabina Goluch

PubMed: 37892534
DOI: 10.3390/nu15204459

Study Design

Type: Systematic Review
Methods: Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines, searching Scopus, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science for clinical trials over the last decade, assessed using the Jadad scale.

Rigorous Journal

Bread is among the most common foods for the world's population. Therefore, it can be fortified to eliminate deficiencies of nutrients or be a carrier of other substances with a nutritional or physiological effect, bringing health benefits to its consumers, thus impacting sustainable health. This systematic review aimed to analyze clinical studies on the effects of bread fortification on human health. The study followed the PRISMA guidelines for transparency and utilized databases Scopus, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science to search clinical trials focused on the effects of bread fortification on human health over the entire last decade. The methodological quality of selected studies was assessed using the Jadad scale. As a result, twenty-six studies meet the inclusion criteria. Clinical trials have shown health benefits from consuming bread fortified with vitamins (B₉, C, D₂, D₃), minerals (K, P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cr, Se), fiber, proteins, and polyphenolic compounds. Conclusions reveal that mandatory fortification aligns with the sustainable development goals. Thus, collaborative partnerships are essential for successful implementation and accessibility, fostering public health advances and progress developing into sustainable health.

Research Insights

Calcium→Increased Bone Mineral Density
Clinical trials have shown health benefits from consuming bread fortified with vitamins (B9, C, D2, D3), minerals (K, P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cr, Se), fiber, proteins, and polyphenolic compounds.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
not stated
Chromium→Improved Glycemia
Clinical trials have shown health benefits from consuming bread fortified with vitamins (B9, C, D2, D3), minerals (K, P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cr, Se), fiber, proteins, and polyphenolic compounds.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
not stated
Iron→Improved Iron Status
Clinical trials have shown health benefits from consuming bread fortified with vitamins (B9, C, D2, D3), minerals (K, P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cr, Se), fiber, proteins, and polyphenolic compounds.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
not stated
Magnesium→Reduced Blood Pressure
Clinical trials have shown health benefits from consuming bread fortified with vitamins (B9, C, D2, D3), minerals (K, P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cr, Se), fiber, proteins, and polyphenolic compounds.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
not stated
Phosphorus→Increased Bone Mineral Density
Clinical trials have shown health benefits from consuming bread fortified with vitamins (B9, C, D2, D3), minerals (K, P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cr, Se), fiber, proteins, and polyphenolic compounds.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
not stated
Potassium→Reduced Blood Pressure
Clinical trials have shown health benefits from consuming bread fortified with vitamins (B9, C, D2, D3), minerals (K, P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cr, Se), fiber, proteins, and polyphenolic compounds.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
not stated
Selenium→Reduced Oxidative Stress
Clinical trials have shown health benefits from consuming bread fortified with vitamins (B9, C, D2, D3), minerals (K, P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cr, Se), fiber, proteins, and polyphenolic compounds.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
not stated
Vitamin C→Reduced Homocysteine Level
Clinical trials have shown health benefits from consuming bread fortified with vitamins (B9, C, D2, D3), minerals (K, P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cr, Se), fiber, proteins, and polyphenolic compounds.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
not stated
Vitamin D→Improved Vitamin D Levels
Clinical trials have shown health benefits from consuming bread fortified with vitamins (B9, C, D2, D3), minerals (K, P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cr, Se), fiber, proteins, and polyphenolic compounds.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
not stated
Zinc→Improved Immune Function
Clinical trials have shown health benefits from consuming bread fortified with vitamins (B9, C, D2, D3), minerals (K, P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cr, Se), fiber, proteins, and polyphenolic compounds.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
not stated