RESUMO
@#Introduction: This study aimed to formulate an effective Food Multimix-Sprinkle (FMM-S) by using locally available materials. Methods: Fish (Threadfin bream), cow liver, and orange fleshed sweet potato (OSP) were cooked and dried by using applicable household (HH) method and drum drying (DD). Then, the dried materials were milled and sieved through a 20 mesh screen. Fish, cow liver, and OSP sprinkles were mixed in various proportions to meet nutrient level targets [at least 30% of Thai Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for 1-3 years old children per 15 g serving size]. Results: Six alternative mixes were formulated. The mixture of 3 g of liver, 7 g of fish, and 5 g of OSP (3:7:5) when processed by HH method, and the mixture of 4 g of liver, 8 g of fish, and 3 g of OSP (4:8:3) when processed by DD method, had significant advantage in preference scores in all attributes over the others. Nutritional values of these formulas were 37-55% RDA of protein, 146-194% RDA of vitamin A, and 30-40% RDA of iron for a serving size. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that household preparation, as well as preparation using drum drying could be used to process raw fish, cow liver, and OSP into a sprinkle mix. The FMM-S provided appropriate amounts of protein, vitamin A, and iron to supplement nutrient intake in pre-schoolers. However, a consumer test is needed to ensure acceptance by the target population.
RESUMO
Compliance is a key component in successful implementation of the delivery of micronutrients among children. The present study evaluates the compliance with two home-based food fortification strategies (fortified complementary food or sprinkle) for providing iron and zinc among children aged 6-24 months. A total of 292 children were randomly allocated to receive either rice-based fortified complementary food and nutrition education (Cf=101), sprinkle and nutrition education (Mp=97), or nutrition education alone as control (Ed=94). All the enrolled children were breastfed at the beginning of the study and were advised to continue breastfeeding. Biweekly information on compliance and anthropometry was collected. Complete haemogram estimation was conducted at baseline and end of the study. Compliance with the fortified complementary food was higher compared to sprinkle (Cf=81%, Mp=64% child-days). Consumption of the fortified complementary food for 6 months resulted in a significant increase in mean haemoglobin in the intervention group compared to control group (Cf 1.29±1.6 g/dL; Ed 0.23±1.3 g/dL; p<0.001). Our results showed that fortified complementary food had higher compliance than sprinkle and is a suitable delivery mechanism for iron and zinc in preschool children.