Published in PLOS One on 2026-04-01, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Anselm P Moshi, Ladislaus Kasankala, Analice Kamala, Nyabasi Makori, Dyness Kejo, Hoyce Mshida, Beatrice Bachwenkizi, Malimi Kitunda, Francis Millinga, Ai Zhao, Germana H Leyna
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0346034
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Recent national surveys show that anaemia affects approximately 30–40% of school-aged children and up to 50% of adolescents in Tanzania, with prevalence exceeding 50% in some regions, underscoring the urgent need for nutrient-dense, school-appropriate food solutions. This study developed snack bars from biofortified crops and compared partially germinated and non-germinated formulations to improve the diets of school-aged children and adolescents. Germination significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased carbohydrate, fat, fibre, and provitamin A content. Zinc content was slightly higher in the germinated bars, whereas iron content was slightly lower compared to the non-germinated formulation. Both formulations supplied 50–70% of the Recommended Dietary Allowances for carbohydrate, protein, fibre, iron and zinc iron aligning with Tanzania’s School Feeding Policy targets. Sensory testing showed higher acceptance of germinated ingredient’s snack bars for texture, colour, aroma and overall acceptability, while non-germinated bars were preferred for appearance and taste. These results demonstrate that both germinated and non-germinated biofortified snack bars can provide substantial amounts of essential nutrients in a child-friendly form. To our knowledge, this is the first study in Tanzania to develop germinated biofortified crop–based snack bars, offering a scalable, culturally acceptable approach to reducing micronutrient deficiencies among school-aged children.
1. Introduction
Micronutrient deficiencies are among the most common forms of malnutrition globally [1,2]. Over 2 billion people globally suffer from micronutrient deficiencies, with millions of children facing food insecurity due to climate crises, rising food prices, unhealthy food availability, undiversified diets, and inadequate child feeding practices [3]. Micronutrient deficiencies such as iron, vitamin A, vitamin B12, folate and zinc are particularly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, Tanzania included [4,5]. The insufficient intake, absorption, or utilization of essential vitamins and minerals, lead to impaired immune function, cognitive dysfunction, and increased morbidity and mortality [6]. Iron deficiency anaemia remains a major global challenge, affecting about 42% of children worldwide [7]. Among adolescent girls, prevalence varies widely from around 26% in Europe and Central Asia to as high as 52% in West and Central Africa [8]. In East Africa, other micronutrient deficiencies are equally alarming: vitamin A deficiency ranges from 4% to 71%, while zinc deficiency affects between 3% and 76% of the population [8].
School-aged children (6–19 years) are particularly vulnerable due to their increased nutritional needs for growth and development [9]. In Tanzania, nearly 42% of children are at risk of zinc deficiency, which weakens immune function [10]. Anaemia among adolescents remains a significant public health concern in Tanzania. National estimates indicate that approximately one-third of adolescents are affected, with marked regional variation. Prevalence ranges from about 13% in Iringa to over 50% in the Coastal (Pwani) region. These pronounced geographic disparities reflect underlying differences in dietary diversity, infection burden, and regional food systems, highlighting the need for targeted, context-specific nutrition interventions [11–14].
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider research & evidence desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Anselm P Moshi, Ladislaus Kasankala, Analice Kamala, Nyabasi Makori, Dyness Kejo, Hoyce Mshida, Beatrice Bachwenkizi, Malimi Kitunda, Francis Millinga, Ai Zhao, Germana H Leyna. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
Explore connected evidence
- Evidence brief: Implementation of school-feeding programme and its effect on dietary adequacy among primary school children in Kisarawe district, Tanzania
- Evidence brief: Clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, and seizure control among children with focal and generalized epilepsy at a tertiary hospital in Tanzania: A cross-sectional secondary analysis
- Evidence brief: Evaluating the effects of community-based programs on viral rebound and viral suppression among HIV-positive orphaned and vulnerable children receiving antiretroviral treatment: Findings from the ACHIEVE project in Tanzania
