title: Effect of fortified milk on growth and nutritional status in young children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Adequate nutrition is critical for optimal growth and development. However, young children may be at risk of nutrient deficiencies when transitioning to weaning foods for a variety of reasons. Supplementation with fortified milk may provide potentially lacking essential nutrients, but effects on growth and nutritional status are yet to be established.
  
  
  METHODS
  Five databases were searched for randomised controlled trials using fortified milk against control milk in young children. Outcomes were growth, body composition and/or biochemical markers. Pooled differences in means were calculated for continuous outcomes and odds ratios for binary outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomised controlled trials set in any country.
  
  
  METHODS
  Otherwise healthy children aged 6-47 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifteen articles met the eligibility criteria. Fortification varied from Fe, Zn, vitamins, essential fatty acids, to pre- and/or probiotics. Frequently reported outcomes were weight, height and Fe status. Studies varied in geographical location, sample size and duration. Fortified milk had minimal effects on weight gain (mean difference=0·17 kg; 95 % CI 0·02, 0·31 kg) compared with control milk. The risk of anaemia was reduced in fortified milk groups (OR=0·32; 95 % CI 0·15, 0·66) compared with control groups. There were no significant effects on height gain, changes in body composition or Hb concentration.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fortified milk is an effective source of complementary nutrition to supplement children in need when consumed in appropriate amounts in addition to a normal diet. Due to compositional differences, further research on fortified milk is warranted before making global recommendations on benefits for growth and nutritional outcomes in young children.
authors.affiliation: 1Children's Nutrition Research Centre,Child Health Research Centre,The University of Queensland,Level 6,Centre for Children's Health Research,63 Graham Street,South Brisbane,QLD 4101,Australia.
authors.forename: Misa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Matsuyama
authors.affiliation: 1Children's Nutrition Research Centre,Child Health Research Centre,The University of Queensland,Level 6,Centre for Children's Health Research,63 Graham Street,South Brisbane,QLD 4101,Australia.
authors.forename: Tracy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Harb
authors.affiliation: 2School of Public Health,The University of Queensland,Herston,QLD,Australia.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: David
authors.affiliation: 1Children's Nutrition Research Centre,Child Health Research Centre,The University of Queensland,Level 6,Centre for Children's Health Research,63 Graham Street,South Brisbane,QLD 4101,Australia.
authors.forename: Peter Sw
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Davies
authors.affiliation: 1Children's Nutrition Research Centre,Child Health Research Centre,The University of Queensland,Level 6,Centre for Children's Health Research,63 Graham Street,South Brisbane,QLD 4101,Australia.
authors.forename: Rebecca J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Hill
mesh_terms: D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000517:prevention & control; D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001823:Body Composition; D001835:Body Weight; D002657:Child Development; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005527:Food, Fortified; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D018977:Micronutrients / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood; D008892:Milk / Q000737:chemistry*; D009752:Nutritional Status; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D018977:Micronutrients
keywords: Fortified milk; Growth; Iron deficiency; Nutritional status; Young children