Abstract
Diarrhea and acute bronchitis are among the top 10 diagnoses among children 84 months and younger in the southern Intibucá region of Honduras. Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly of iron and zinc, likely contribute to this high rate of morbidity. This study investigated the relationship between micronutrient supplementation and diarrhea and acute bronchitis morbidity. Children (n=2,686) from six municipalities in Intibucá, ages 6–60 months at study initiation, received the supplement Chispuditos® daily for 12 months. Chispuditos is a corn‐ and soy‐based beverage fortified with 21 vitamins/minerals including iron (12 mg/serving) and zinc (9 mg/serving). Number of clinic visits at two main health centers with a diagnosis of diarrhea or acute bronchitis was collected for all children under 84 months. Monthly incidences of diarrhea and acute bronchitis were reduced by 46% (p<.01) and 21% (p<.20) respectively for the intervention period compared to the 12 months prior. Monthly incidences of diarrhea and acute bronchitis were reduced by 78% (p<.01) and 73% (p<.01) respectively for the intervention period compared to children 0–84 months in the same region that did not receive Chispuditos. These results support a relationship between micronutrient supplementation and decreased diarrhea and acute bronchitis morbidity in a community based setting. This study was funded by the Mathile Institute.
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