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This study evaluate the effectiveness of a nation-wide program distributing milk fortified with 10 mg of iron (gluconate), 10 mg zinc (oxide), vitamin C and other micronutrients on the linear growth and body composition of 1084 Mexican toddlers 12-30 mo of age. Children were randomly assigned to receive daily either 500 mL of fortified milk for 2 years (FM2Y) or non-fortified milk for one year followed by fortified milk the second years (FM1Y), under the normal operation conditions of the program. A comparable third group that never received fortified milk was assembled the second year (C) selected from the same communities. Body height and weight at 0 and 2 years, and Fat-free mass (FFM) by impedanciometry, physical activity by accelerometry at 2 years after intervention were measured. Means from linear regression models, adjusting for basal measurements of the variables, age, sex, socioeconomic status and nesting within the communities were calculated. Prevalences were compared by X2. Means height (FM2Y=99.8±3.2 cm, FM1Y=99.3±3.3 cm vs C group=97.1± 3.1 cm, p<0,001); FFM (FM2Y=10.4±0.87 kg, FM1Y=10.3.7±0.87 kg vs 9.7±0.91 kg C, p<0.001); AF (FM2Y=288±115 kcal, FM1Y= 321±115 kcal and C=241±109 kcal, p<0.001) were higher in the FM2Y and FM1Y than in the C group. The basal prevalence of stunting lessened from 11.5 % to 6.3% FM2Y, 8.3% FM1Y and 11.9% in the C group. This program distributing milk fortified with iron and zinc to 5 million children demonstrated to be effective to improve the quantity and quality of growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a Federal Government program that distributes milk fortified with 10 mg of iron (gluconate), 10 mg zinc (oxide), vitamin C and other micronutrients at subsidized prices on the prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency in 1084 Mexican toddlers 12-30 mo of age. Children were randomly assigned to receive daily either 500 mL of fortified milk for 2 years (FM2Y) or non-fortified milk for one year followed by fortified milk the second years (FM1Y), under the normal operation conditions of the program. A comparable third group that never received fortified milk was assembled the second year (C) selected from the same communities. Hemoglobin, serum ferritin (F), soluble transferrin receptors (sTfR) and PCR were measured a 0 and 2 years after initiation of intervention. The basal prevalence of anemia (41.4%) and iron deficiency (44%) decreased to 3.3 and 10%, respectively in FM2 and to 2.4 and 7.4%, respectively in FM groups. Final prevalences of anemia and iron deficiency were lower than in C group (9% and 16.1%, p¡Ü0.0001, and p¡Ü0.003, respectively). After three years of the implemented this highly effective program outreaching 5 million children, 1.5 million oh them were cured from anemia and iron deficiency and the associated loss of capacities was most probably curved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of anemia among Mexican children and non pregnant women with and without the Transfer Conditions Program Oportunidades. Hemoglobin concentration was measured, in a national representative sample between children and women receiving Oportunidades (OPO) or not (NOPO), in order to determine anemia. Information of children >5 years (OPO, n=1391; NOPO, n=4213) and non pregnant women (OPO, n=12,274 NOPO, n=12,130) was collected from the Mexican National Nutrition and Health Survey 2006. Program participation was determined by interview. Prevalence of anemia is showed by residence area (rural and urban). Among urban children, the prevalence of anemia in the OPO group was 24.7% compared to 22.4% in the NOPO group. In rural area, OPO group reported a prevalence of 27.3% compared to 29.8% in the NOPO group. Among urban women, the prevalence of anemia was 16.8% in the OPO group compared to 16.5% in the NOPO group. Among rural women the prevalence of anemia was 14.7 % in the OPO and 16.1% NOPO. The anemia is still a public health problem in children and women with Oportunidades, and is higher among rural than rural subjects. However, in the last years the prevalence of anemia has decreased in children more than women in Mexico. Is necessary to evaluate the components of the Oportunidades; like the supplement or the topics included in the health and nutrition talks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]