P0946 Efficacy of Zinc and Iron Fortification of Milk in Prevention of Anemia, Diarrhea, Pneumonia and Iron Deficiency–a Community Based Double Masked Randomized Trial
Year: 2004
Type: conference-abstract
Abstract: Introduction: A large portion of attributable risk (for increased infectious disease morbidity and mortality) to malnutrition may be due largely to a few critical micronutrients. There is increasing evidence for zinc and iron to be two potential candidates in this regard. The question of interaction between zinc and iron supplementation and difficulty of delivery on a daily basis has led to a recommendation of evaluating food based delivery systems as an important research priority. In order to evaluate the efficacy of combined fortification with zinc and iron in prevention of diarrhea, pneumonia and other childhood morbidity we conducted a community based randomized control double masked trial. Methods: The study was undertaken in peri-urban Delhi. Children aged 1–3 years, resident in the area and without any chronic illness or severe malnutrition needing rehabilitation were invited to participate. After informed consent 638 children were randomly allocated to either receive a milk formulation containing per 100g milk powder: zinc 10mg, iron 10mg, vitamin A 350mug, vitamin E 8.3mg, vitamin C 50mg, selenium 7mug and copper 0.3mg; or the same milk formulation without fortification. The milk was provided in sachets of 32g each and children were advised to reconstitute and consume 3 sachets per day. Supplement was delivered by field assistant weekly at home, previous weeks sachets were collected. The intervention was continued for 1 year. At the baseline and end study a blood sample was collected and a detailed haemogram, plasma zinc, ferritin and zinc protoporphyrin were estimated. Dietary intake assessments were made using 6, 24 hour recalls, and food frequency records (1 each at baseline, mid study and end study). Children were followed by twice weekly home visitation to record compliance and morbidity using standard pre-tested forms. Record of all hospitalization and physician visits was made. Physician records for all clinic visits was maintained. Results: The compliance to the feeding was above 80%. The study is ongoing and 484 children have so far completed the study. The study will be completed in March 2004 when the code will be broken and results presented at the meeting. Conclusion: The results of this study (both effect or no effect) will be very important for being the largest double blind trial evaluating effect of fortified zinc and iron on diarrhea and pneumonia morbidity.
Institutions: Johns Hopkins University, Annamalai University
Language: English
Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4390568335