Milk-based cornstarch porridge fortified with iron is effective in reducing anemia: a randomized, double-blind,...

This study evaluates the impact of a milk-based cornstarch porridge fortified with iron, in 4-year olds, compared with control on hemoglobin levels and anemia prevalence. This trial was a cluster-randomized, double-blind one, and used milk-based cornstarch porridge fortified with 10 mg elemental iron (FeSO(4)), daily, during 14 weeks, compared with control. The study population comprised 4-year-old preschoolers (n = 131). Mean hemoglobin values at baseline were found to be 10.6 ± 0.61 g dl(-1) for intervention group, and after intervention 11.5 ± 0.80 g/dl, p < 0.0001. For control, mean hemoglobin values at baseline were 10.9 ± 0.53 g/dl, and after intervention 11.2 ± 0.73, p < 0.0001. The increase in mean hemoglobin was much greater in the intervention than in the control group, 0.86-0.26 g dl(-1), respectively (p < 0.0001). Anemia prevalence reduced from 75% to 20%, p < 0.0001, in the intervention group, with no reduction in the control group. Number needed for treatment was four. This study showed that milk-based cornstarch porridge fortified with ferrous sulfate increased hemoglobin levels and reduced anemia prevalence in 4-year-old preschoolers.