Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition
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J. Pediatr. Gastroenterol. Nutr. · Jan 2007
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyDouble-blind, placebo-controlled trial comparing effects of supplementation of two micronutrient sprinkles on fatty acid status in Cambodian infants.
Infants in developing countries require early dietary interventions to prevent nutritional deficiencies, above all protein, energy, iron and zinc. To what extent these interventions may affect the fatty acid (FA) status is still unknown. ⋯ Supplementation with iron, folic acid, zinc and vitamins was associated with an increase of linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid levels in Cambodian infants versus placebo, without significant changes in the concentrations of their longer chain derivatives, resulting in a FA status closer to Italian counterparts for the essential polyunsaturated FA levels. The iron/folate-treated infants showed no differences compared with the other 2 groups. Studies are needed to differentiate the potential effects of the supplemented micronutrients on the FA status.