Food Fortification: Strategy to Combat Hidden Hunger: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT Hidden hunger or micronutrient deficiency, affects over two billion people worldwide, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income countries. This global problem impacts nearly a one‐third of the global population. Despite of its invisible symptoms, it contributes significantly to poor health outcomes, impaired cognitive development, reduced productivity, and increased mortality. Food fortification has emerged as a cost‐effective, scalable public health strategy to address these deficiencies. Food fortification is a promising intervention to address hidden hunger, but its full potential is constrained by gaps in implementation, monitoring, and public engagement. Various governmental and non‐governmental organizations are collaborating to address micronutrient deficiencies and improve health outcomes in these regions. The success of food fortification programs is contingent on ensuring the quality and safety of fortified products, monitoring nutrient bioavailability, and adapting to local needs. This review focuses on food security with enhancing micronutrient content in foods as a cost‐effective solution for developing countries. Future research should focus on long‐term impact evaluations, culturally tailored interventions, improved regulatory frameworks, and effective public–private partnerships to enhance reach, compliance and sustainability. Strengthening food fortification programs can play a critical role in achieving global nutrition and health goals.