Multiple micronutrient supplementation increases the growth of Mexican infants

Background: The role of single micronutrient deficiencies in the etiology o f growth retardation has recently gained attention. However, because multip le micronutrient deficiencies are common in children in developing countrie s, it is possible that more than one micronutrient may limit growth and, he nce, the correction of a sine deficiency may not be enough to improve growt h substantially. Objective: The objective was to evaluate the effect of multiple micronutrie nt supplementation on the growth of children aged 8-14 mo whose diets were poor in several micronutrients. Design: Children were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups. One group receive d a multiple micronutrient supplement containing the recommended dietary al lowance (RDA) or 1.5 times the RDA of vitamins A, D, E, K, C, B-1, B-6, B-1 2, riboflavin, niacin, biotin, folic acid, and pantothenic acid, and iron, zinc, iodine, copper, manganese, and selenium. The other group received a p lacebo. Supplements were administered 6 d/wk for an average of 12.2 mo. Bod y length was measured at baseline and monthly thereafter until the end of s upplementation. Results: Supplemented infants initially aged greater than or equal to 12 mo had significantly greater length gains than did the placebo group, with a difference of 8.2 mm. (length-for-age z score: 0.3) at the end of supplemen tation. In contrast, differences in length gains between the supplemented a nd placebo groups initially aged : 12 mo were not significant. Conclusions: Micronutrient deficiencies limited the growth of the Mexican i nfants studied. Improving micronutrient intakes should be a component of in terventions to promote growth in infants living in settings where micronutr ient intakes are inadequate.