Micronutrient powder can beat anaemia
The research was carried out in Cambodia (pictured) where an estimated 55% of children younger than five are anaemic. Image: tbradford/iStockphoto Mixing micronutrient powder into infants’ complementary food reduces rates of anaemia beyond what nutrition education alone can achieve, according to University of Otago-led research involving more than 3000 Cambodian under two year olds.Otago and Cambodian researchers conducted a randomised trial of the effectiveness of “Sprinkles” in reducing anaemia and iron deficiencies among 3112 six-month-old infants in rural Cambodia. Sprinkles are sachets containing a blend of iron and other micronutrients in powder form and are easily mixed into home-prepared foods.The findings are newly published online in the journal Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.Study lead author Dr Susan Jack says that iron deficiency anaemia in infants is a global health problem affecting both developed and developing countries, but has its greatest impact in poorer parts of the world.“Anaemia represents a major public...