Compared with placebo, the prevalence of iron-deficiency anaemia in children given flour fortified with high-dose NaFeEDTA, low-dose NaFeEDTA, and electrolytic iron changed by −89% (95% CI −97% to −49%), −48% (−77% to 20%), and 59% (−18% to 209%), respectively. Consumption of high-dose NaFeEDTA improved all measured iron-status indicators. Low-dose NaFeEDTA decreased the prevalence of iron deficiency but did not noticeably change the prevalence of anaemia. Electrolytic iron did not improve any of these iron-status indicators.

“Efficacy of iron-fortified whole maize flour on iron status of schoolchildren in Kenya: a randomised controlled trial.” Pauline E A Andang’o et al. Lancet 2007; 369: 1799–806