Home fortification of foods with multiple micronutrient powders for health and nutrition in children under two years of age (Review)

Abstract BackgroundVitamin and mineral deficiencies, particularly those of iron, vitamin A and zinc, affect more than two billion people worldwide. Young children are highly vulnerable because of rapid growth and inadequate dietary practices. Micronutrient powders (MNP) are single‐dose packets containing multiple vitamins and minerals in powder form that can be sprinkled onto any semi‐solid food.The use of MNP for home or point‐of‐use fortification of complementary foods has been proposed as an intervention for improving micronutrient intake in children under two years of age. ObjectivesTo assess the effects and safety of home (point‐of‐use) fortification of foods with multiple micronutrient powders on nutritional, health and developmental outcomes in children under two years of age. Search methodsWe searched the following databases in February 2011: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE (1948 to week 2 February 2011), EMBASE (1980 to Week 6 2011), CINAHL (1937 to current), CPCI‐S (1990 to 19 February 2011), Science Citation Index (1970 to 19 February 2011), African Index Medicus (searched 23 February 2011), POPLINE (searched 21 February 2011), ClinicalTrials.gov (searched 23 February 2011), mRCT (searched 23 February 2011), and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (searched 23 February 2011). We also contacted relevant organisations (25 January 2011) for the identifi...
Source: Evidence-Based Child Health: A Cochrane Review Journal - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Intervention Review Source Type: research