Low-dose weekly supplementation of iron and/or zinc does not affect growth among Bangladeshi infants.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of low-dose weekly supplementation with iron, zinc or both on growth of infants from 6 to 12 months of age.


METHODS
A total of 645 breastfed infants age 6 months who were not severely anemic (Hb> or = 90 g l(-1)) or severely malnourished (weight-for-age > or = 60% median) were randomized to receive 20 mg iron and 1 mg riboflavin; 20 mg zinc and 1 mg riboflavin; 20 mg iron, 20 mg zinc and 1 mg riboflavin; or riboflavin alone (control) weekly for 6 months.


RESULTS
Baseline characteristics were similar among the four supplementation groups. Weight, length and mid-upper arm circumference were assessed at baseline, 8, 10 and 12 months of age. There was no interaction of iron and zinc when given in a combined supplement on either weight or length (P>0.05). There were no effects of either iron or zinc on the rate of length or weight gain for all infants or when stratified by baseline Hb concentration.


CONCLUSIONS
Weekly supplementation of 20 mg Fe, 20 mg Zn, or both does not benefit growth among infants 6-12 months of age in rural Bangladesh, a region with high rates of anemia and zinc deficiency.
Fischer Walker
C L
CL
Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. cfischer@jhsph.edu
Baqui
A H
AH
Ahmed
S
S
Zaman
K
K
El Arifeen
S
S
Begum
N
N
Yunus
M
M
Black
R E
RE
Caulfield
L E
LE
D001132:Arm / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D001459:Bangladesh; D001827:Body Height; D001835:Body Weight; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006128:Growth / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007501:Iron / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012256:Riboflavin / Q000494:pharmacology; D012424:Rural Population; D015032:Zinc / Q000494:pharmacology*
D007501:Iron; D015032:Zinc; D012256:Riboflavin