Iron deficiency is one of the most prevalent health issues in the world, with over 30% of the world's population becoming anaemic as a consequence. Those in developing countries, especially women and children, are some of the most badly affected, drastically affecting their livelihood and well-being. According to the World Health Organisation, every second woman and about 40% of preschool children are estimated to be anaemic in developing countries.
Whilst efforts have been made to fix the issue, by attempting to improve the diets and nutritional intake of those affected using iron supplements and tablets, the problem has remained significant. However, this may soon change.
Lucky Iron Fish is an organisation that has created a simple cooking tool, which can provide up to 75% of the daily required iron intake for a family. The product is a piece of iron in the shape of a fish, and when used to boil food, is designed to release iron at the right concentration in order to provide the nutrients required. In a few easy steps, all that is needed is to wash the fish, place it in boiling water in a cooking pot for 10 minutes, and then remove before adding cooking ingredients to the pot.
Trials have been conducted in Cambodia (in whose culture the shape of a fish is a symbol of luck), and it was found that after 12 months, nearly half of those who participated were no longer anemic. According to Lucky Iron Fish, as well as anemia, consequences of iron deficiency can also include weakness, impaired cognitive ability, compromised physical development in children, an increased risk of illness and possibly even death.
If you are wondering how you too can help this cause, it's easy. You can buy an iron fish for yourself, with Lucky Iron Fish providing one more for a family in Cambodia. You can buy an iron fish supporter pin, with Lucky Iron Fish donating two iron fish to families in Cambodia. Alternatively, you can purchase a whole school of fish for five families in Cambodia, which are distributed through local NGO’s.
The iron fish has the potential to make a significant impact on the health and quality of life of those in the developing world. Lucky Iron Fish can help transform the lives of men, women and children, through a product that is a simple, affordable and effective solution to an extremely prevalent issue.
To find out more visit luckyironfish.com.
The above article by Catherine Torbey first published on impactsocialenterprise.com in 2015.
