Home fortification of complementary foods with micronutrient supplements is well accepted and has positive effects on infant iron status in Ghana

Abstract

Background: Micronutrient deficiencies are common during infancy, and optimal approaches for their prevention need to be identified. Objective: The objective was to compare the efficacy and acceptability of Sprinkles (SP), crushable Nutritabs (NT), and fat-based Nutributter (NB; 108 kcal/d), which provide 6, 16, and 19 vitamins and minerals, respectively, when used for home fortification of complementary foods. Design: Ghanaian infants were randomly assigned to receive SP (n ҃ 105), NT (n ҃ 105), or NB (n ҃ 103) daily from 6 to 12 mo of age. We assessed dietary intake, morbidity, and compliance weekly. Hemoglobin and plasma ferritin, TfR, C-reactive protein, and zinc were measured at 6 and 12 mo. We used an exit interview to assess acceptability. A randomly selected control group of infants who received no intervention (NI; n ҃ 96) were assessed at 12 mo. Results: All supplements were well accepted, and the mean percentage of days that supplements were consumed (87%) did not differ between groups. At 12 mo, all 3 intervention groups had significantly higher ferritin and lower TfR concentrations than did the NI control group. Mean (Ȁ SD) hemoglobin was significantly higher in NT (112 Ȁ 14 g/L) and NB (114 Ȁ 14 g/L) but not in SP (110 Ȁ 14 g/L) infants than in NI infants (106 Ȁ 14 g/L). The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia was 31% in the NI control group compared with 10% in the intervention groups combined (P 0.0001). Conclusion: All 3 options for home fortification of complementary foods are effective for reducing the prevalence of iron deficiency in such populations.Am J Clin Nutr 2008;87:929 -38.

Anemia and Helicobacter pylori Seroreactivity in a Rural Haitian Population

“…14,[35][36][37][38][39] Given the high prevalence of anemia and malnutrition in this population, it is obviously appropriate to study the effects of public health interventions such as micronutrient fortification powders, 37 AK-1000 (Akamil) fortified home supplement, 40 deworming, 41 and maternal education on infant nutrition. 20 Finally, the devastating January 2010 earthquake and the subsequent cholera epidemic have likely exacerbated the situation and increased the prevalence of anemia and malnutrition in this rural Haitian population.…”

Age-appropriate and acceptable paediatric dosage forms: Insights into end-user perceptions, preferences and practices from the Children’s Acceptability of Oral Formulations (CALF) Study

“…Adequate assurance of taste-masking and palatability should be ensured, as participants' concerns are not unfounded. In 255 the case of micronutrient sprinkle products for example, acceptability rates of over 90% have been reported by caregivers of infants (Zlotkin et al, 2003, Adu-Afarwuah et al, 2008. However, in one study, nearly of all caregivers reported that sprinkles had an unpleasant smell or taste, and that they changed the colour of food, both of which may negatively impact acceptability (Kounnavong et al, 2011).…”

Intra-household use and acceptability of Ready-to-Use-Supplementary-Foods distributed in Niger between July and December 2010

“…Results from these studies suggest that RUSF is well-accepted by children (Adu-Afarwuah et al, 2008) and does not replace the consumption of other foods or breast milk (Flax et al, 2009(Flax et al, , 2010Galpin et al, 2007). However, because caregiver knowledge, attitudes, and practices of RUSF have an effect on the potential benefits of nutritional supplements, an improved understanding of these questions will be critical for future interventions.…”