ABSTRACT
Adolescent girls have high nutrient needs and are susceptible to micronutrient deficiencies. The objective of this study was to test the effect of a multiple-micronutrient-fortified beverage on hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations, micronutrient status, and growth among adolescent girls in rural Bangladesh. A total of 1125 girls (Hb > or = 70 g/L) enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial and were allocated to either a fortified or nonfortified beverage of similar taste and appearance. The beverage was provided at schools 6 d/wk for 12 mo. Concentrations of Hb and serum ferritin (sFt), retinol, zinc, and C-reactive protein were measured in venous blood samples at baseline, 6 mo, and 12 mo. In addition, weight, height, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) measurements were taken. The fortified beverage increased the Hb and sFt and retinol concentrations at 6 mo (P < 0.01). Adolescent girls in the nonfortified beverage group were more likely to suffer from anemia (Hb <120 g/L), iron deficiency (sFt <12 microg/L), and low serum retinol concentrations (serum retinol <0.70 micromol/L) (OR = 2.04, 5.38, and 5.47, respectively; P < 0.01). The fortified beverage group had greater increases in weight, MUAC, and BMI over 6 mo (P < 0.01). Consuming the beverage for an additional 6 mo did not further improve the Hb concentration, but the sFt level continued to increase (P = 0.01). The use of multiple-micronutrient-fortified beverage can contribute to the reduction of anemia and improvement of micronutrient status and growth in adolescent girls in rural Bangladesh.
