Multiple micronutrient supplementation increases the growth of Mexican infants.
BACKGROUND
The role of single micronutrient deficiencies in the etiology of growth retardation has recently gained attention. However, because multiple micronutrient deficiencies are common in children in developing countries, it is possible that more than one micronutrient may limit growth and, hence, the correction of a single deficiency may not be enough to improve growth substantially.


OBJECTIVE
The objective was to evaluate the effect of multiple micronutrient supplementation on the growth of children aged 8-14 mo whose diets were poor in several micronutrients.


METHODS
Children were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups. One group received a multiple micronutrient supplement containing the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) or 1.5 times the RDA of vitamins A, D, E, K, C, B-1, B-6, B-12, riboflavin, niacin, biotin, folic acid, and pantothenic acid, and iron, zinc, iodine, copper, manganese, and selenium. The other group received a placebo. Supplements were administered 6 d/wk for an average of 12.2 mo. Body length was measured at baseline and monthly thereafter until the end of supplementation.


RESULTS
Supplemented infants initially aged <12 mo had significantly greater length gains than did the placebo group, with a difference of 8.2 mm (length-for-age z score: 0.3) at the end of supplementation. In contrast, differences in length gains between the supplemented and placebo groups initially aged > or =12 mo were not significant.


CONCLUSIONS
Micronutrient deficiencies limited the growth of the Mexican infants studied. Improving micronutrient intakes should be a component of interventions to promote growth in infants living in settings where micronutrient intakes are inadequate.
Rivera
J A
JA
Centro de Investigación en Nutrición y Salud, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico. jrivera@insp.mx
González-Cossío
T
T
Flores
M
M
Romero
M
M
Rivera
M
M
Téllez-Rojo
M M
MM
Rosado
J L
JL
Brown
K H
KH
D000367:Age Factors; D001827:Body Height / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D002657:Child Development; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006128:Growth / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico; D018977:Micronutrients / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology
D018977:Micronutrients