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The efficacy of micronutrient supplementation in reducing the prevalence of anaemia and deficiencies of zinc and iron among adolescents in Sri Lanka

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 62, pages 856–865 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective:

To determine the effectiveness of combined iron and zinc over the iron or zinc-only supplementation in correcting deficiency and possible interactive effects in a group of adolescent school children.

Subjects and methods:

Schoolchildren (n=821) of 12–16 years of age were randomized into four groups and supplemented with iron (50 mg/day), zinc (14 mg/day), iron+zinc or placebo capsules 5 days per week for 24 weeks. Anthropometry, and haemoglobin (Hb), serum zinc (SZn) and serum ferritin (SF) concentrations were determined before and after the intervention.

Results:

There were no significant effects between-groups in their weight, height and Hb concentrations with the intervention when compared with the placebo group. Iron-only and combination-supplemented groups had reached mean SF concentrations of 55.1 μg/l with no difference between them (P=0.99). The zinc-only group had a mean change of 4.3 μmol//l whereas the combine-supplemented group had a mean change of 4.0 μmol/l (P=0.82). The prevalence of anaemia was found to be 70.3% in the iron group at baseline; this was reduced to 14.5% after the supplementation. In the combine-supplemented group anaemia, prevalence was reduced from 64.8 to 19.3%.

Conclusions:

Zinc alone or in combination with iron has not shown a significant improvement in growth in adolescence. Severe and moderate forms of anaemia were successfully treated in children who received iron supplementation. Initial high prevalence of low SZn and iron stores was significantly improved with micronutrient supplementation.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Professor Sarath Lekamwasam for the valuable comments made on the statistical analysis and the Astron Limited, Colombo for manufacturing of mineral capsules. The study was funded by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA-SRL-11958).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Nuclear Medicine Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna, Galle, Sri Lanka

    M Hettiarachchi & C Liyanage

  2. Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka

    R Wickremasinghe

  3. Department of Paediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA

    D C Hilmers & S A Abrams

Authors
  1. M Hettiarachchi
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  2. C Liyanage
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  3. R Wickremasinghe
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  4. D C Hilmers
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  5. S A Abrams
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to M Hettiarachchi.

Additional information

Guarantor: C Liyanage.

Contributors: MH was responsible for the research project and involved in all aspects; designing, sample selection, data collection, results and statistical analysis, paper writing and so on. CL was responsible for the research project and involved in all aspects; designing, supervision of sample selection and data collection, results and statistical analysis, paper writing and editing. RW was responsible for the research project and involved in designing of the sample size, statistical analysis and editing the paper. DCH Involved in project designing, results analysis and editing the paper. SAA was involved in project designing, results analysis and editing the paper.

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Hettiarachchi, M., Liyanage, C., Wickremasinghe, R. et al. The efficacy of micronutrient supplementation in reducing the prevalence of anaemia and deficiencies of zinc and iron among adolescents in Sri Lanka. Eur J Clin Nutr 62, 856–865 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602791

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