Selling Sprinkles micronutrient powder reduces anemia, iron deficiency, and vitamin A deficiency in young children in Western Kenya: a cluster-randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although the efficacy of micronutrient powders [MNPs; eg, Sprinkles MNP (Sprinkles Global Health Initiative)] in the reduction of anemia has been established, the effectiveness of these powders in real-world programs has seldom been assessed.

Objective

In this study, we evaluated the effect of community-based marketing and distribution of Sprinkles MNP on childhood rates of anemia and iron and vitamin A deficiency.

Design

In a cluster-randomized trial in children aged 6-35 mo in Western Kenya, 60 villages were randomly assigned to either intervention or control groups. Community vendors marketed and sold sachets of Sprinkles MNP in intervention villages. Biweekly household visits monitored the use of Sprinkles MNP. Hemoglobin, ferritin, retinol binding prot

SUBMITTER: Suchdev PS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4697950 | biostudies-literature | 2012 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature