Effect of three supplements with identical micronutrient content on anemia in Mexican children

Abstract

The objective of this analysis was to assess the impact of three nutritional supplements with identical micronutrient content on anemia in children. Communities (18 per supplement) were randomly assigned to receive a fortified food (FF), syrup (SY) or Sprinkles (SK). Children 6 to 12 mo of age, beneficiaries of the Oportunidades program were eligible to participate. Supplements were delivered daily (6 mo) then weekly and compliance recorded. Measurements were taken after 4 and 10 mo supplementation and at 24 mo of age for all children. Statistical analyses for cluster randomized trials were used. 927 children were recruited (FF n=265; SY n=323; SK n=339). There were no statistically significant differences between groups at baseline and the prevalence of anemia (PA) was high (FF: 49.4%; SY: 53.3%; SK: 47.2%). After 4 mo supplementation, the PA was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the FF group than the SY and SK groups. At 24 mo of age the PA had decreased in three groups (p<0.001), but remained slightly higher in the FF group (FF:12.3%, SY:8.8%, SK: 9.2). Given that this study has no true placebo, we do not know to what extent the supplements cured/prevented anemia. The large decrease and the low prevalence at 24 mo suggests that the supplements were efficacious to prevent and cure anemia; with the effect observed slower in the FF group. The Oportunidades program financed this study and holds the rites to the data presented.