Multiple micronutrient powders reduce stunting and anemia and improve language development among full‐term low birth weight children in Bangladesh (389.3)

Abstract

Objective: Explore efficacy of 22‐element micronutrient powders (MNP) plus nutrition, health and hygiene education (NHHE) to reduce stunting and anemia, and improve mental development among low birth weight (LBW) infants. Methods: Prospective community‐based cluster‐randomized trial, conducted among 244 full‐term LBW infants from 6‐12 months (mo) in rural Bangladesh. A total of 24 clusters were randomly assigned to two groups: i) NHHE plus MNP (to be provided with available complementary food); ii) NHHE only. Capillary blood was collected at 6 and 12mo using HemoCue. At ~18mo cognitive and language scores of children were assessed using Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development III (n=186). Results: At 12 mo, compared to ‘NHHE only’, infants in ‘NHHE+MNP’ had significantly lower proportion of stunting (55.9% vs 33.6%, p<0.001) and anemia (23.9% vs 11.7%, p<0.001). Mean Hb concentration in the ‘NHHE+MNP’infants increased from 93.8±10.8 g/L at 6mo to 109.8±12.3 g/L at 12mo (p<0.05), whereas no such difference was found in ‘NHHE only’ group. Expressive language scores were significantly higher among ‘NHHE+MNP’ compared with ‘NHHE only’ (p<0.01; d=0.45). There were no differences between groups on cognitive or receptive language scores. Conclusion: Use of broad range micronutrient powders effectively reduce stunting and anemia and improve expressive language among term LBW children.Grant Funding Source: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to FHI 360, through the Alive & Thrive Small Grants Program managed