OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of iron-fortified chocolate drinks with the Sangkap Pinoy Seal on the hemoglobin, hematocrit and RBC indices among five year old pre-school children of the Eskwelahang Munti Barangay Potrero, Malabon City.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five-year old pre-school children enrolled at the Eskwelahang Munti Barangay Potrero, Malabon City were taken blood samples. Blood was drawn through skin puncture by a trained medical technologist. Baseline hemoglobin, hematocrit and RBC indices were taken. Children with histories of acute and chronic illness, blood dyscrasias, current febrile illness and sever anemia (Hb<8g/dl) were all excluded in the study. The subjects were divided into control and experimental groups, and dewormed by giving Mebendazole 250mg/paper tab single dose prior to treatment. The control group received ferrous sulfate syrup 1.7ml (containing 8.9mg of elemental iron) once daily for 6 weeks. The experimental group was given iron-fortified chocolate drink with the Sangkap Pinoy Seal, one glass (containing 8.9mg of elemental iron) a day also for 6 weeks. The two groups were supervised by 2 research assistants. Repeat hemoglobin, hematocrit and RBC indices determination were done by the same medical technologist. The results obtained were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis.

RESULTS: The study showed that the iron-fortified chocolate drink and ferrous sulfate had a significant effect on both the Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH). But it was the iron-fortified chocolate drink that was more effective in increasing the hemoglobin, hematocrit and RBC levels among the 5 year old pre-school children at the Eskwelahang Munti Barangay Potrero, Malabon City.

CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the study: 1.) The iron-fortified chocolate drink increased significantly the hemoglobin, hematocrit and RBC levels among the five year old pre-school children while the ferrous sulfate supplement did not increase significantly, and 2.) Comparing the increase in the hemoglobin, hematocrit and RBC levels between the 2 groups, there is significant difference favoring the iron-fortified chocolate drink relative to the ferrous sulfate supplement.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Child Preschool ; ANEMIA, IRON-DEFICIENCY ; Iron ; Food, Fortified ; Ferrous sulfate ; Hemoglobins ; Hematocrit ; Diet, Food, and Nutrition