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Low-dose weekly supplementation of iron and/or zinc does not affect growth among Bangladeshi infants

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 63, pages 87–92 (2009)Cite this article

Abstract

Objectives:

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.

Subjects/Methods:

A total of 645 breastfed infants age 6 months who were not severely anemic (Hb⩾90 g l−1) or severely malnourished (weight-for-age ⩾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.

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Acknowledgements

This study was possible because of the many families who allowed their children to participate and the dedication of the field and data management staff of the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Bangladesh. This study was funded by the Nutricia Foundation and the US Agency for International Development (USAID). This paper does not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the US government.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA

    C L Fischer Walker, A H Baqui, R E Black & L E Caulfield

  2. ICDDR,B: Centre for Health and Population Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh

    A H Baqui, K Zaman, S El Arifeen, N Begum & M Yunus

  3. Department of Population and Family Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA

    S Ahmed

Authors
  1. C L Fischer Walker
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  2. A H Baqui
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  3. S Ahmed
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  4. K Zaman
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  5. S El Arifeen
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  6. N Begum
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  7. M Yunus
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  8. R E Black
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  9. L E Caulfield
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to C L Fischer Walker.

Additional information

Contributors: AHB and REB designed the study and wrote the initial protocol. AHB, KZ, SEA, NB and MY contributed to the final study design, implemented the study in Bangladesh and ensured the quality of the data. CLFW, AHB, SA, LEC and REB designed the analysis plan, carried out the analysis and wrote the manuscript. All authors reviewed the manuscript and contributed to the final version.

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Fischer Walker, C., Baqui, A., Ahmed, S. et al. Low-dose weekly supplementation of iron and/or zinc does not affect growth among Bangladeshi infants. Eur J Clin Nutr 63, 87–92 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602905

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602905

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