Millet fortified with iron, zinc does not harm toddlers’ gut health, study finds
A study by researchers from India and the U.S. found that iron- and zinc-fortified pearl millets do not harm toddlers' gut health, addressing concerns about iron deficiency. Conducted over nine months in Mumbai's urban slums, the research indicates that these bio-fortified crops could provide a safer alternative to traditional iron supplements, which can disrupt gut microbiomes. The findings, published in Nature Communications, support India's Millets Mission and suggest a food-based strategy for improving nutrition in early childhood.