[Impact of the provision of fortified cornmeal on anemia in preschoolers in the indigenous areas of Mexico]

Gac Sanit. 2013 Nov-Dec;27(6):541-4. doi: 10.1016/j.gaceta.2013.04.013. Epub 2013 Jun 28.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

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 <11.0mg/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; Anthropometry; Antropometría; Corn meal; Fortificación alimentos; Fortified foods; Harina de maíz; Hemoglobin; Hemoglobina; Preescolares; Preschoolers.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anemia / diet therapy*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Flour*
  • Food, Fortified*
  • Glycine max*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Iron, Dietary / administration & dosage*
  • Male
  • Mexico
  • Prevalence
  • Rural Health
  • Time Factors
  • Zea mays*

Substances

  • Iron, Dietary