Effect of Providing Multiple Micronutrients in Powder through Primary Healthcare on Anemia in Young Brazilian Children: A Multicentre Pragmatic Controlled Trial

BackgroundMultiple micronutrients in powder (MNP) are recommended by WHO to prevent anemia in young children. However, evidences for its effectiveness in different populations and improvements in other outcomes (e.g. linear growth and vitamin A deficiency) are scarce.MethodsA multicentre pragmatic controlled trial was carried out in primary health centres. At study baseline, a control group (CG) of children aged 10- to 14 months (n = 521) was recruited in the routine healthcare for assessing anemia, anthropometric and micronutrient status. At the same time, an intervention group (IG) of infants aged 6- to 8 months (n = 462) was recruited to receive MNP daily in complementary feeding over a period of 60 days. Both study groups were compared when the IG infants reached the age of the CG children at enrolment.ResultsIn CG, the prevalence of anemia [hemoglobin (Hb) 8.3 mg/L), and vitamin A deficiency (VAD, serum retinol ConclusionsMNP effectively reduced anemia and improved growth and micronutrient status among young Brazilian children.Trial RegistrationRegistro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clinicos RBR-5ktv6b