Abstract

AGUIRRE ARENAS, Judith et al. Impact of the provision of fortified cornmeal on anemia in preschoolers in the indigenous areas of Mexico. Gac Sanit [online]. 2013, vol.27, n.6, pp.541-544. ISSN 0213-9111.  https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gaceta.2013.04.013.

Objective: To estimate changes in anemia status in preschool age children at 9 months after the provision of soy- and iron-fortified cornflour. Methods: A non-experimental pre-post evaluation study was performed in a sample of 98 boys and 96 boys aged between 6 and 24 months. We analyzed demographic, anthropometric, and biochemical variables. Results: During the 9-month period, the hemoglobin level increased from 11.0 to 11.9 mg/dL (p < 0,001). The prevalence of anemia (hemoglobin <11.0 mg/dL) decreased from 52.6% to 25.3% (p < 0,001). The indicators of height for age and body mass index changed from -2.1 (-5.5 to 2.8) to -2.3 (-6.5 to 1.3) (p < 0,001) and from 0,4 (-3.1 to 2.9) to 0,7 (-2.2 to 3.9) (p < 0,001), respectively. Conclusions: The decreased prevalence of anemia suggests that the provision of soy- (3%) and iron-fortified flour is a viable alternative for combating childhood anemia.

Keywords : Anemia; Hemoglobin; Anthropometry; Preschoolers; Corn meal; Fortified foods.

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