A mount of 137 pregnant women having gestational age of 16-22 weeks were recruited in the study. The subjects were randomly allocated into two groups. The first group: received daily multi - micronutrient tablet. The second group: received daily iron – folate. Duration of intervention was 17 weeks. Among of 137 pregnant women, only 118 pregnant women were completed, 61 pregnant women of multi - micronutrient supplementation group and 57 pregnant women of folic – acid group. After intervention, there was a significant improvement of hemoglobin concentration and decreased of anemia prevalence in both group, retinol and zinc concentration was significantly increased in multi - micronutrient supplemented group as compared to iron folate group
Vitamin A Deficiency ; Anemia ; pregnant women

A iron sectional study was carried out on 323 children aged 5-8 months old in Dong Hy district, Thai Nguyen province from August 2002 to October 2003. Results showed: malnutrition of underweight accounted for 3.1%, underheight 11.5%, neonatal weight < 2.500g was 8.4%, anemia 74.6% and vitamin A deficiency 39.3%. There is a closed and positive relation between anemia and vitamin A deficiency, children with anemia had a risk of vitamin A deficiency 2, 3 times higher than normal children and controversaly. Knowledge and practice of mothers on breast feeding, on children care and on supplemented foods have had large shortcomings
Anemia ; vitamin A deficiency ; Malnutrition

Energy-microelement rich nutritional powder producted at the Institute of Nutrition with local nutritional resources was used in some commune of Dong Hy District, Thai Nguyen Province and evaluated by scientists of the Institute. This preparation was accepted by mothers and children with its taste, color, odor and consistence. 93% of users had got good manifestations within 6 days eating continuously of the powder prossessed high nutritional value, safety and hygienic quality. 50g of powder had suppied 180- 200 kcalo, 30-35% vitamine and mineral need.
Cereals ; Food ; Child ; Nutrition Therapy

Two groups of children aged 5 to 8 months having the same socioeconomic condition, their mothers have been attended in the courses of nutrition communication and education, one group (control group) was fed with home-made powder, the other group (intervention group) was fed with a meal of high micronutrient and energy dense powder per day, for 6 months. The results showed that after intervention, concentration of Hb, ferritin, serum zinc and retinol of intervention children were significantly higher than those of the control group. Prevalence of anemia, exhausted iron storage, zinc and vitamin A deficiencies of intervention group significantly lower those of control group. Body length and height for age z-score (HAZ) of the intervention group were significantly higher than length and HAZ of the control group. 6 months follow-up after intervention cessation revealed that the HAZ and Hb of the intervention group were significantly higher than those of the control group, respectively. High micronutrient and energy dense powder may improve micronutrient deficiency and nutritional status of intervention children
malnutrition ; child ; Micronutrients ; deficiency