Two feasibility studies for introduction of multimicronutrient soy/whey-based supplements in rural homes in Honduras

The objectives of the 2 studies were to determine the feasibility of providing home-based multimicronutrient supplements and their comparative effects on infants and children (6-36 months) in rural Honduras. Four multimicronutrient supplements were tested in 2008 and 2009. Anthropometric and hemoglobin values were main outcome variables. In 2008 and 2009, 188 and 143 children completed the study, respectively. Anemia was substantially reduced from 44% to 48% at baseline to 24% to 11% at the end of treatment. Weight-for-age and height-for-age scores were not significantly different among supplements tested. In conclusion, our studies demonstrate the feasibility of home-based micronutrient fortification with a significant reduction in anemia.