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Effects of zinc (Zn) supplementation and phytate‐reduced maize in 6‐12 mo infants in Guatemala
Author(s) -
Krebs Nancy F,
Mazariegos Manolo,
Westcott Jamie E,
Wright Linda,
Das Abhik,
Goco Norman,
Hartwell Tyler,
Solomons Noel W,
Raboy Victor,
Angel Luis,
Hambidge K Michael
Publication year - 2008
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.22.1_supplement.149.6
Subject(s) - anthropometry , bayley scales of infant development , medicine , randomized controlled trial , zinc , population , pediatrics , micronutrient , placebo , zoology , environmental health , biology , psychomotor learning , chemistry , cognition , alternative medicine , organic chemistry , pathology , psychiatry
Attaining adequate zinc intake from complementary foods for older infants is a challenge in populations primarily dependent on cereal based diets. Objective : To test the effects of a zinc supplement (ZS) and/or phytate reduced maize for use as a complementary food on growth and other functional outcomes. Methods : In a 2x2 design, a total of approximately 400 primarily breastfed infants’ families from the Western Highlands of Guatemala were randomized to receive phyate‐reduced maize or wild‐type hybrid maize; infants were further randomized to receive a zinc supplement (5 mg/d) or placebo from 6‐12 mo of age. Anthropometry was obtained monthly; morbidity weekly; Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID) at 6 and 12 mo; and plasma [Zn] at 12 mo. Results : Stunting was highly prevalent in all groups by 6 mo of age. Linear growth (and other anthropometry) did not differ among treatment groups. No differences were observed by treatment group for morbidity due to diarrhea, or BSID motor or mental scales. The BSID Behavior Scale was higher in the ZS group (p = 0.02), and mean plasma [Zn] was higher in the ZS group (p = 0.05). Conclusion : The lack of impact of the interventions in this population likely reflects a multifactorial basis for the high rates of stunting. Support: Global Network for Women's and Children's Health Research, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and NIH Office of Dietary Supplements.