| Popis: |
Background Adding iron rich foods such as amaranth grain flour or micronutrient powders (MNP) containing low doses of highly bioavailable iron (e.g. NaFeEDTA) could be options to control iron deficiency (ID) in pre-school children. However, data evaluating the impact of such food-to-food or in-home fortification strategies is limited. The aim of this thesis was to investigate the effect of consumption of amaranth grain flour on anaemia and iron status of Kenyan pre-school children. Methods First a nutrition situation was assessed through a food consumption and nutrition study. We then simulated the potential effect of fortifying maize porridge with amaranth grain flour or MNP on prevalence of inadequate iron intake and ID. Next, an acceptability study was conducted. Factors that would predict the intention of consumption of amaranth porridge among children were identified and the sensory acceptability of amaranth porridge evaluated. Finally, a controlled, randomized 16-weeks intervention trial was conducted (n=279; aged 12-59 months) to determine the efficacy of maize porridge enriched with amaranth grain flour or MNP in form of NaFeEDTA. Primary outcome was anaemia and iron status with treatment effects estimated relative to control group receiving maize porridge only. Results The nutrition situation assessment showed that there were deficits in dietary energy, iron and zinc with early introduction of complementary foods. The simulation estimates resulted in a significant increase (P |
