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
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 ...
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 &mgr;g) plus zinc (5 mg) (MMN, n = 68), or iron (12.5 mg) plus folic acid (150 &mgr;g) 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.