Efficacy of different schemes of supplementation with micronutrient powders on anemia and micronutrient status in infants

Objective To compare the efficacy of different dosing and duration schemes for micronutrient powders on anemia, and micronutrient status. We supplemented a group of 400 infants 6–11 months old, living in the northern highlands of Peru, with powder micronutrients containing iron, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C and folic acid. Children were randomly assigned to 4 supplementation groups: a) 6 months daily supplementation; b) 6 months intermittent; c) 12 months daily and; d) 12 months intermittent supplementation, supplements were provided monthly at the baby well visit. At entry and after supplementation scheme, hemoglobin and micronutrient status were measured. We found baseline anemia 73%, 71%, 73% and 76% respectively (p=0.885); at 6 months supplementation anemia was reduced to 40%, 40%, 34% and 52% respectively (p=0.086). Initial mean hemoglobin values were 116, 117, 117, and 115 g/L respectively. At 6 months mean hemoglobin values were 125, 123, 126 and 122 g/L. During the first 6 months of supplementation with micronutrient powders, the results suggest that all groups benefitted from supplementation, without large differences between them. After 6 months, the prevalence of anemia was still high. Supported by Micronutrient Initiative, Canada.