Impact of Fortified Yogurt on Micronutrient Deficits: A Survey on Food Security and Health in the Northeast of Iran.

Background: Millions of people's access to food is threatened by the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in food, particularly in low- and middle-income nations. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the socio-economic impact of fortified food products on improving the food security of consumers in these regions. Methods: This study examined the use of popular products, such as yogurt fortified with inactive baker's yeast, from April 2023 to December 2023. A questionnaire was developed using a descriptive-inferential approach grounded in practical research. Results: The factors of expertise, level of education, and gender significantly influenced the enhancement of food security. Approximately 88% of the variations in food security enhancement factors were attributed to acceptance and consumption, food safety and health, and financial capability and pricing. Among these factors, the acceptance index made the greatest contribution to improving food security. Conclusions: Specialized communication and information operations are urgently needed in this area, considering the limited knowledge consumers have about the health effects of newly introduced fortified foods. Therefore, by addressing current shortcomings, this study can help planners, policymakers, and producers of fortified food items increase the demand for fortified goods and improve national food security.