The effect of a 1-year multiple micronutrient or n-3 fatty acid fortified food intervention on morbidity in Indian school children

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Few studies have shown that supplementation with micronutrients (MNs) or n-3 fatty acids may have health benefits such as reduced morbidity in schoolchildren. The effect of a combination of these nutrients has never been investigated. This study aimed to determine the effect of a combination of two different doses of MN and n-3 fatty acids on morbidity in schoolchildren in Bangalore, India. Subjects/Methods: In all 598 children (6-10 years) received foods fortified with either high (100% recommended dietary allowance) or low (15% recommended dietary allowance) MN, combined with either high (900 mg a-linolenic acid (ALA) plus 100 mg docosahexaenoic acid) or low (140 mg ALA) n-3 fatty acids for 1 year. Morbidity was measured by weekly self-reports using a structured questionnaire. Poisson regression analyses of episodes/child/year and duration/episode adjusted for age and sex were performed on clusters of symptoms, including upper and lower respiratory tract infections (URTI and LRTI), gastrointestinal complaints (GI) and general symptoms of illness to observe MN and n-3 fatty acid treatment effects. Conclusion: Although n-3 fatty acids may be beneficial for reducing illness in Indian schoolchildren, more research is needed to confirm presence of combined effect with MN.

Infants fed formula with added long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids have reduced incidence of respiratory illnesses and diarrhea during the first year of life

“…Interestingly, a recent study in India demonstrated a shorter duration of episodes of mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as lack of appetite or abdominal pain in children (ages 6–10) who consumed a food supplement fortified with omega-3 fatty acids for a period of 12 months [27]. It has been previously suggested that omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA may reduce gastrointestinal inflammation [28], and it is possible that the proposed anti-inflammatory properties of DHA in the gut are reflected in our current observation of a reduction in the incidence of more serious diarrhea during the first year of life.…”

The Role of Micronutrients in Support of the Immune Response against Viral Infections

“…As mentioned above, the omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in the resolution of inflammation induced by infections, including in the respiratory tract [ 196 ]. Table 7 summarizes the main studies in which were investigated the link between the omega-3 fatty acids supplementation and respiratory infections/illness, and the potential role in improving the acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) [ 213 , 214 , 215 , 216 , 217 , 218 , 219 , 220 , 221 , 222 , 223 ].…”

“…Some studies have demonstrated the effect of omega-3 supplementation also on children’s morbidity, particularly reducing the episodes of upper respiratory tract infections [ 217 , 218 ]. Malan et al in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, which included 321 South African children with iron-deficiency, showed that iron supplementation was associated with an increased morbidity, mostly respiratory, but when given in combination with DHA/EPA, this increase in morbidity was prevented.…”

Do healthy school meals affect illness, allergies and school attendance in 8- to 11-year-old children? A cluster-randomised controlled study

“…In particular, the intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which was higher during the NND period compared with control in the present study, has been found to reduce occurrence and duration of upper and lower respiratory tract infections and gastrointestinal complaints in school-aged children. 23,24 Vitamin D intake has also been associated with a decreased risk of influenza A 4 and respiratory illness 25 in children. Fish n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid and vitamin D have been suggested to have protective effects on asthma and allergy symptoms in childhood.…”