The Effect of Lactoferrin and Dosing Regimen on Iron Absorption From a Maize-based Porridge in Kenyan Infants

Launched by SWISS FEDERAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · Jul 31, 2018

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

Infants and young children in sub-Saharan Africa have high rates of iron deficiency anemia (IDA), which adversely affects their growth and cognitive development. In-home iron fortification of complementary foods using micronutrient powders (MNPs) reduces risk for IDA by ensuring that the iron needs of infants and young children are met without changing their traditional diet. Oral iron syrups, typically containing iron as ferrous sulfate, can also be given to prevent/correct IDA. However, iron absorption from MNPs and iron syrups, particularly when given with complementary foods high in inh...

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Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age of 3-14 months at baseline
• • Complementary feeding of the infant has already started
• • Assessment of good health as assessed by professional staff at Msambweni District Hospital
• • The caregiver is willing to participate in the study
• • The informed consent form has been read and signed by the caregiver (or has been read out to the caregiver in case of illiteracy)
• • Willingness of the caregiver to provide five blood samples from their child in total during the studies during the visits at the hospital
• • Residence in the study for the period of the study
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Hb \<70 g/L
• • Severe underweight (waz \<-3)
• • Severe wasting (whz \<-3)
• • Chronic or acute illness or other conditions that in the opinion of the principle investigator or co-researchers would jeopardize the safety or rights of a participant in the trial or would render the participant unable to comply with the protocol
• • Participants taking part in other studies requiring the drawing of blood
• • Regular intake (\>2 days) of iron-containing mineral and vitamin supplements or fortified foods within the last 2 months