Abstract
BackgroundInfants and young children 6–24 months of age are the most nutritionally vulnerable groups, as their needs for vitamins and minerals are high relative to the amount of food they consume. This study determines the effect of Micronutrient Powder Supplementation (MNP) on growth and hemoglobin of infants in Gaza Strip, Palestine.MethodThis was a two-arm parallel-group randomized controlled trial conducted in two health care clinics of the United Nations Relief and Work Agency (UNRWA) at the Middle Area governorate of Gaza Strip, Palestine. A total of 200 healthy infants aged 6-month-old were recruited and randomized to receive 3 sachets/week of MNP for 12 months alongside with the National Micronutrient Supplement (NMS) (n = 100) or NMS alone (n = 100). Weight, length, blood hemoglobin, and dietary intakes were measured at 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 21 (3 months after the end of intervention) months of age. Analysis was by intention to treat.ResultsThe experimental group had a higher concentration of hemoglobin at 12 and 15 months than did the control group, and a significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed at 15 months only. Significantly greater weight, length, weight-for-age, length-for-age, and weight-for-length z-scores were observed in the experimental group than that in the control group at 12 and 15 months (p < 0.05). The prevalence of anemia (18% vs. 52%) and stunting (1% vs. 11%) were higher in the control than the experimental group, respectively. After controlling for sex, similar findings were reported.ConclusionsAddition of MNP to the existing NMS program improved the nutritional status of young children. The potential benefits of MNP supplementation on physical growth and hemoglobin should be considered in the existing NMS program.Trial registrationISRCTN57594793; Date of registration: 20-03-2018 (Retrospectively registered).
Highlights
Micronutrient deficiencies are reported as a global public health problem affecting 2 billion people in the developed and developing countries [1]
Addition of Micronutrient Powder Supplementation (MNP) to the existing National Micronutrient Supplement (NMS) program improved the nutritional status of young children
The potential benefits of MNP supplementation on physical growth and hemoglobin should be considered in the existing NMS program
Summary
Micronutrient deficiencies are reported as a global public health problem affecting 2 billion people in the developed and developing countries [1]. In 2013, the Palestinian Micronutrient Survey (PMS) reported that vitamin A status was sufficient among 27% of under-five children only, and severe deficiency was more prevalent (36.8%) among Gaza Strip children [5] than those in the West bank. Deficiencies of vitamin A, iron, zinc, and iodine are common consequences of the cereal- and plantbased complementary foods typically introduced to infants and children in developing countries [9]. These foods are often low in energy and poor sources of bioavailable micronutrients zinc and iron due to presence of phytate [8]. This study determines the effect of Micronutrient Powder Supplementation (MNP) on growth and hemoglobin of infants in Gaza Strip, Palestine
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