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  • Title: Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial comparing effects of supplementation with two different combinations of micronutrients delivered as sprinkles on growth, anemia, and iron deficiency in cambodian infants.
    Author: Giovannini M, Sala D, Usuelli M, Livio L, Francescato G, Braga M, Radaelli G, Riva E.
    Journal: J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr; 2006 Mar; 42(3):306-12. PubMed ID: 16540800.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVES: To assess and compare efficacy of two micronutrient sprinkle supplementation on growth, anemia, and iron deficiency in Cambodian infants. METHODS: A total of 204 infants aged 6 months and living in Kompong Chhnang Province, Cambodia were randomly assigned to receive daily supplements of either iron (12.5 mg) plus folic acid (150 mug) plus zinc (5 mg) (MMN, n = 68), or iron (12.5 mg) plus folic acid (150 microg) alone (FFA, n = 68), or placebo (n = 68) for a 12 month period in powder form as sprinkles. Anthropometrics was evaluated bimonthly. Biochemical assessment was performed at baseline and at the end of intervention period. RESULTS: At baseline, the overall mean (SD) of hemoglobin concentration was 101 g/L. No difference among groups was found for growth pattern. Significant decline was observed for weight-for-age and height-for-age z-scores in any group (P < 0.0001). The rate of recovery from anemia was significant (P < 0.001) and comparable between MMN (54%) and FFA (53%) groups and higher than in the placebo group (22%, P < 0.0001). Through the study period, no significant change in the rate of iron deficiency was found in MMN and FFA groups, whereas it increased in the placebo group (31%, baseline vs. 52%, end of study; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Both MMN and FFA supplements were effective for preventing or treating anemia in Cambodian infants and stabilizing plasma levels of ferritin. Use of micronutrients in a controlled home setting, as sprinkled daily supplements, may be promising in preventing and treating anemia in developing countries.
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