Multiple micronutrients in powder delivered through primary health care reduce iron and vitamin A deficiencies in young Amazonian children.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the effect of home fortification with multiple micronutrient powder (MNP) on anaemia and micronutrient status of young Amazonian children.

DESIGN

A pragmatic controlled trial was performed. A control group (CG) of children aged 11-14 months was recruited in the routine of primary health-care centres for assessing anaemia and micronutrient status. At the same time, an intervention group (IG) of infants aged 6-8 months was recruited in the same health centres to receive MNP daily in complementary feeding for 2 months. The IG children were assessed 4-6 months after enrolment (n 112) when they had reached the age of the CG participants (n 128) for comparisons.

SETTING

Primary health centres in Rio Branco city, Brazilian Amazon.

SUBJECTS: A total of 240 children aged<2 years.

RESULTS

In the CG, the prevalence of anaemia (Hb8·3 mg/l) and vitamin A deficiency (VAD; serum retinol <0·70 μmol/l) was 20·3 %, 72·4 % and 18·6 %, respectively. Among the IG participants (aged 11-14 months), the prevalence of anaemia, ID and VAD was 15·2 %, 25·2 % and 4·7 %, respectively. The IG had a lower likelihood of ID (prevalence ratio (95 % CI): 0·34 (0·24, 0·49)) and VAD (0·25 (0·09, 0·64)).

CONCLUSIONS

Home fortification of complementary feeding delivered through primary health care was effective in reducing iron and vitamin A deficiencies among young Amazonian children.