Combining Nutritional Communication and Supplementation of Multi-Micronutrient to Improve Nutritional Status of Vietnamese Children Aged 6-23 Months

Abstract

Objectives: To determine effect of weekly dose of MNP combining with nutritional communication on hemoglobin concentration and anthropomectric index of children aged 6-23 months. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was done:  Control group (n=100) and intervention group (n=99): the mothers were guided to use combination of 7 food groups recommended by WHO to prepare complementary food with adding MNP for children. The dose of MNP was 3 sachets per week during 20 weeks. Component of sachet: iron (12.5 mg); zinc (5 mg); vitamin A (300 mcg), vitamin D (10 mg), vitamin c (30 mg)  vitamin B1, B2, B6 each (0.5 mg), vitamin B12 (0,9 µg); vitamin E (5 mg); Niacin 6 mg);  Copper (0,56), iodince (90 µg of); selemium (17 µg). Results: Before intervention, there is not significant difference between two group on hemoglobin concentration, anthropomectric index, prevalence of malnutrition and anemia: 55,1% (intervention group) and 51,1%  (control group).  After intervention, improvement of   hemoglobin concentration in the intervention group (7.2±6.6 g/L) was significant higher than that in control group (1,9±4.8 g). Prevalence of anemia was significant decreased in both group, however, it was lower (13,5%)  as compared to control group (33%). Height for Age Z-score in the intervention group was lightly increased  while it t was decreased in control group, that made significant difference  on Height  for Age -score between two groups Conclusions: Combination of nutritional communication and MNP supplementation had positive effect in reduction of anemia and improving hemoglobin concentration and Height for Age Z-score.