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Point-of-use micronutrient fortification: lessons learned in implementing a preschool-based pilot trial in South

Adebayo O Ogunlade1, H Salome Kruger, Johann C Jerling

  • 1Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus), Potchefstroom, South Africa.

International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition
|August 13, 2010
PubMed

Insights

This pilot trial found point-of-use (PoU) micronutrient fortification feasible in preschools. While hemoglobin levels showed no significant difference, cognitive scores improved in children receiving fortified maize-porridge.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health Nutrition
  • Early Childhood Development
  • Micronutrient Fortification

Background:

  • Preschool children are vulnerable to micronutrient deficiencies.
  • Point-of-use (PoU) fortification offers a promising strategy to address these deficiencies.
  • Feasibility of PoU micronutrient fortification in preschool settings requires evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the feasibility of implementing PoU micronutrient fortification in South African preschools.
  • To evaluate the impact of micronutrient fortification on hemoglobin concentration and early childhood cognitive development.

Main Methods:

  • A pilot randomized controlled trial involving 151 preschool children aged 36-79 months.
  • Intervention group received maize-porridge fortified with micronutrients; control group received placebo.
  • Feasibility assessed through process evaluation; cognitive development measured using the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children, Second Edition.

Main Results:

  • High fidelity implementation of PoU micronutrient fortification was demonstrated.
  • No significant difference in hemoglobin concentration improvement between intervention and control groups (P=0.250).
  • Medium likelihood for practical significance in cognitive scores: non-verbal index (P=0.002) and mental processing index (P=0.072).

Conclusions:

  • PoU micronutrient fortification is a feasible intervention in preschool settings.
  • Micronutrient fortification may positively impact cognitive development in young children.
  • Findings inform future large-scale trials on PoU micronutrient fortification for South African preschool children.

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