ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (PIA) – “Eating or consuming iron-fortified rice (IFR) has nothing but healthy effects to consumers,” said Department of Health (DoH)-Center for Health Development Regional Director Dr. Aristides Tan to the public as the DoH here revs up its campaign on patronizing and consuming Iron-Fortified Rice or I-Rice.

Tan said eating I-Rice is a healthier practice than eating “regular” or commercial rice.

“Eating IFR will prevent iron-deficiency anemia among children, pregnant, and lactating mothers”, Tan said.

He also pointed that I-Rice is cheaper for ordinary consumers at P27 per kilo, while commercial rice ranges from P32 to as high as P46 per kilo.

Eating IFR also lets others save money as they don’t need to buy separate iron food supplement for their daily maintenance, he added.

A study conducted several years ago showed that children suffer from low intelligence quotient (IQ) due to iron deficiency that prompted the government to come up with interventions to address the problem, which is now known as the Food Fortification Law of the Philippines.