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Low‐dose weekly supplementation with iron and/or zinc does not affect growth among Bangladeshi infants
Author(s) -
Walker Christa Lynn Fischer,
Baqui A H,
Ahmed S,
Zaman K,
Arifeen S El,
Begum N,
Yunus M,
Black R E,
Caulfield L E
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.21.5.a681-a
Subject(s) - micronutrient , zinc , anthropometry , malnutrition , medicine , zoology , weight for age , zinc deficiency (plant disorder) , linear growth , iron supplementation , pediatrics , chemistry , iron deficiency , anemia , biology , mathematics , organic chemistry , pathology
Background: Micronutrient malnutrition is a widespread problem in developing countries. Supplemental zinc has been shown to improve growth in undernourished children, but the effect in infants or when combined with iron is less known. We assessed the effect of low‐dose weekly zinc and/or iron supplementation on growth among infants from 6–12 mo of age. Methods: Bangladeshi infants were randomized to receive 20 mg iron (Fe), 20 mg zinc (Zn), both (Fe + Zn), or riboflavin alone weekly from 6–12 mo of age. Weight and length were assessed at baseline, 8, 10, and 12 mo of age. Changes in anthropometric indicators were compared using multiple linear regression analyses and 6‐mo growth trajectories were compared by supplementation groups for all infants and in stratified analyses by baseline Hb concentration. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar among the 4 groups. Overall, z‐scores declined over the 6 month period. There was no effect of Fe, Zn, or both on length. Fe + Zn had a negative effect on weight, yet supplementation with Fe or Zn alone had no effect. There was no differential effect by supplement type when stratified by Hb concentration. Fe or Zn alone decreased the rate of weight gain, but these small effects were not observed in the Fe + Zn group. Conclusions: Low‐dose weekly supplementation with Fe and/or Zn does not benefit growth among infants 6–12 mo of age. Sources of support: USAID and the Nutricia Foundation.