Baseline characteristics of children included in the study.

aMean±standard deviation.
bNumber (%).
cThe cut offs for defining anemia and iron deficiency that are conventionally used are Hb ≤100 g/L, Hct ≤30%, ZnPP ≥80 µmol per mole of heme, RDW >14%, SFr ≤12µg/L, STfr >8.3 µg/ml.
dAt least 2 parameters for defining iron deficiency were available in only 294 children in MN group and 306 children in Co group.
eStunting refers to stunting only, ie without wasting and wasting refers to wasting only, ie without stunting.