Home fortification of foods with multiple micronutrient powders for health and nutrition in children under two years of age (Review)

Abstract

Home fortification of foods with multiple micronutrient powders is an effective intervention to reduce anaemia and iron deficiency in children six months to 23 months of age. The provision of MNP is better than no intervention or placebo and possibly comparable to commonly used daily iron supplementation. The benefits of this intervention as a child survival strategy or on developmental outcomes are unclear. Data on effects on malaria outcomes are lacking and further investigation of morbidity outcomes is needed. The micronutrient powders containing multiple nutrients are well accepted but adherence is variable and in some cases comparable to that achieved in infants and young children receiving standard iron supplements as drops or syrups.

Multidimensional approach to iron de ciency anemia in infants younger than two years old in Northeast Argentina. 2004-2005

“…Food fortification with multiple micronutrients is an effective intervention to reduce anemia in children and, according to some authors, it is comparable to daily iron supplementation. 21 However, in our analysis, differences were observed between infants who received food assistance and those who did not; this means that, in spite of the present/past universal fortification of certain food, the prevalence of anemia among infants who received food assistance was lower, which evidences that not only food quality matters; it is necessary that the most disadvantaged populations receive good-quality fortified foods.…”

Factores asociados con la anemia en niños menores de tres años en Perú: análisis de la Encuesta Demográfica y de Salud Familiar, 2007-2013

“…Las intervenciones para reducir la deficiencia de hierro están entre las más costoefectivas en salud pública (38) y serían decisivas para disminuir la carga de enfermedad por anemia en niños, frecuentemente asociada con alteraciones en su crecimiento, en el desarrollo de su capacidad intelectual, y en el acceso a oportunidades personales, educativas y laborales en el largo plazo (39).…”

Experiences and lessons learned for programme improvement of micronutrient powders interventions

“…Micronutrient powders (MNP), a mixture of vitamins and minerals, enclosed in single‐dose sachets, which are stirred into a child's portion of food immediately before consumption, are efficacious to reduce iron deficiency and anaemia in children 6–23 months of age (De‐Regil, Suchdev, Vist, Walleser, & Peña‐Rosas, 2013). However, results from programme evaluations in a number of countries have highlighted challenges in coverage, appropriate use, and adherence and show only modest biological impact (Rah et al, 2012).…”