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Efficacy of different schemes of supplementation with micronutrient powders on anemia and micronutrient status in infants
Author(s) -
Zavaleta Nelly,
Loza David,
Egoavil Patricia,
Sánchez Jorge,
Mosqueira Roberto,
Neufeld Lynnette
Publication year - 2013
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.27.1_supplement.36.8
Subject(s) - micronutrient , anemia , hemoglobin , medicine , micronutrient deficiency , vitamin , vitamin c , pediatrics , zoology , biology , pathology
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.