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The Caco-2 Cell Bioassay for Measurement of Food Iron Bioavailability
Published on: April 28, 2022
Double-blind randomized controlled trial of rolls fortified with microencapsulated iron
Teresa Negreira Navarro Barbosa1, José Augusto de Aguiar Carrazedo Taddei, Domingos Palma
1Department of Pediatrics, Universidade de Santo Amaro, São Paulo, Brazil. teresanb@globo.com
Insights
Fortified rolls with microencapsulated iron sulfate improved hemoglobin and reduced anemia in preschoolers. However, no significant difference was observed compared to the control group over 24 weeks.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional science
- Public health
- Pediatric nutrition
Background:
- Iron deficiency anemia is a prevalent global health issue, particularly affecting preschoolers.
- Food fortification offers a viable strategy to combat micronutrient deficiencies in vulnerable populations.
- Microencapsulation technology can enhance iron bioavailability and palatability in fortified foods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of wheat flour rolls fortified with microencapsulated iron sulfate and sodium alginate in improving hemoglobin levels among preschoolers.
- To compare the impact of iron-fortified rolls versus non-fortified rolls on anemia occurrence in a preschool population.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind randomized controlled trial involving 173 preschoolers (aged 2-6 years) with initial hemoglobin >9 g/dL.
- Participants received either fortified rolls (4 mg iron/roll) or control rolls daily for 24 weeks.
- Hemoglobin concentrations were measured at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks.
Main Results:
- Both fortified and control groups showed significant increases in hemoglobin levels by week 24, with greater initial improvement in anemic children.
- The incidence of anemia decreased significantly in both groups by week 24 (22% to 9% in the iron-fortified group; 47% to 8.2% in the control group).
- No statistically significant difference in hemoglobin levels or anemia reduction was found between the iron-fortified and control groups.
Conclusions:
- Rolls fortified with microencapsulated iron sulfate were well-tolerated by preschoolers.
- While iron fortification increased hemoglobin and reduced anemia, the study found no significant advantage over the control group in this specific intervention.
- Further research may be needed to optimize iron fortification strategies for preschool populations.
Objective:
To evaluate the impact of the fortification of rolls with microencapsulated iron sulfate with sodium alginate on the hemoglobin levels in preschoolers as compared to controls.
Methods:
Double-blind randomized controlled trial comprised of children aged 2 to 6 years with initial hemoglobin exceeding 9 g/dL from four not-for-profit daycares randomly selected in the city of São Paulo - Brazil. Children of 2 daycares (n = 88) received rolls with fortified wheat flour as the exposed group (EC) and children of 2 daycares (n = 85) received rolls without fortification as the control group (CG) over a 24-week period. Rolls with 4 mg iron each were offered once a day, five days a week. Hemoglobin concentrations were determined in capillary blood by HemoCue® at three moments of trial: baseline (Ml), after 12 and 24 weeks of intervention (M2, M3).
Results:
Hemoglobin concentration presented significant increase up to M3 in EG (11.7-12.5-12.6 g/dL) and in CG (11.1-12.4-12.3 g/dL) with higher elevations in children initially with anemia. There was significant reduction in the occurrence of anemia from 22% to 9% in EG and from 47% to 8.2% in CG at M3.
Conclusion:
Rolls fortified with microencapsulated iron sulfate were well tolerated, increased hemoglobin levels and reduced the occurrence of anemia, but with no difference compared to the control group.
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