Supplement Moringa oleifera leaves and their impact on the nutritional status of vitamin A, iron and zinc in preschools: A pilot study

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of a dried leaves of Moringa oleifera(MOL) supplement, on the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency(VAD), and iron and zinc status in preschool children at risk of malnutrition in rural disadvantaged areas of Hermosillo, Mexico.Subjects and MethodsA quasi‐experimental intervention accomplished a clinical study itself (n=56 children aged 3–5 years). A group (n=31) was supplemented with 1.17 g/day of MOL during 5 months, and another with no supplementation (n=25). Biochemical indicators (serum retinol and zinc, protoporphyrin, and hemoglobin) before and after supplementation. Socioeconomic, dietary and parasitic factors were used as covariate.ResultsPreschool children of farm workers in poverty communities showed inadequate dietary pattern of vitamin A (66.7%), iron (50.6%) and zinc (27.1%). There was a high prevalence of VAD (43.8%), anemia (11.9%) and intestinal parasites(from 47% to 64%). At the end of the study, supplementation reduced the prevalence of VAD (p<0.05) from 40% to14.3% in the supplemented group. Significant changes for hemoglobin concentration between groups was observed (p<0.001).ConclusionMOL supplementation showed a protective effect to maintain adequate levels of hemoglobin in the study population.