To estimate the effect of maternal zinc deficiency on pregnancy outcomes, we conducted a zinc supplementation trial in an urban shantytown in Lima, Peru, a population with habitual low zinc intakes. Beginning at 10-24 wk gestation, 1295 mothers were randomly assigned to receive prenatal supplements containing 60 mg iron and 250 (g folate, with or without 15 mg zinc. Women were followed up month...

Iron is an essential micronutrient for all eukaryotic organisms. However, the low solubility of ferric iron has tremendously increased the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia, especially in women and children, with dramatic consequences. Baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is used as a model eukaryotic organism, a fermentative microorganism, and a feed supplement. In this report, we explore...

BACKGROUND In Mali, an estimated 73% of pregnant women are anaemic largely due to iron deficiency. National policy recommends women to take iron and folic acid supplements daily from first prenatal contact until 3 months postpartum. However, many pregnant women in Mali could benefit from multiple micronutrient supplements. OBJECTIVE To assess pregnant women's acceptability of and adherence to...

There is concern regarding the possible negative effects of ingestion of dietary fibre on growth and intestinal Fe absorption in infants. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of a fibre mixture on the growth and the intestinal absorption of Fe in rats with Fe-deficiency anaemia with that of a diet without fibres. Faecal weight and caecal pH were also evaluated. According to th...

BACKGROUND The aim was to investigate the prevalence of dietary supplement use among pregnant Saudi women and its associations between various demographics. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, a total of 137 pregnant women attending prenatal care from King Salman Hospital completed a self-administered questionnaire including socio-demographic characteristics, general awareness, attitude an...

BACKGROUND Anemia continues to be a major public health problem among children in many regions of the world, and it is still not clear which strategy to treat it is most effective. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and children's acceptance of several recognized strategies to treat anemia. METHODS Non-breastfed children (n = 577), 6 to 43 mo of age, were screened for the trial; 267 were an...

Malnutrition can take a variety of forms, such as protein–energy malnutrition, and deficiencies of micronutrients, such as iron, iodine, and vitamin A. Among various forms of nutritional deficiencies in children, iron deficiency is the most common form that subsequently results in iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Consequences of IDA are serious and include reduced school performance, decreased gro...