(02-02-06) Effect of micronutrient supplement on health and nutritional status of schoolchildren: mental function.

Vazir S, Nagalla B, Thangiah V, Kamasamudram V, Bhattiprolu S.

Division of Field Studies, National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the effect of a micronutrient-fortified beverage on mental function in schoolchildren. METHODS: This double-blind, placebo-controlled, matched-pair, cluster, randomized feeding trial assessed baseline before supplementation and after 14 mo in a cohort of 608 children aged 6 to 15 y who received a micronutrient-fortified beverage or placebo. Children in two classes (clusters) in each of nine grades were assessed for intelligence, attention and concentration, memory, and school achievement. RESULTS: Mean intelligence quotient scores of the micronutrient-fortified beverage group and the placebo group at baseline and final follow-up were not significantly different. Mean verbal and performance scores and increments were also not different. After supplementation, attention-concentration increment scores of the micronutrient group were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of the placebo group. Mean and incremental scores of the supplemented group on the memory scale were not significantly different from those of the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation with a beverage fortified with a range of micronutrients significantly improved attention-concentration over 14 mo, but not intelligence quotient, memory, or school achievement among middle-income schoolchildren.

Nutrition. 2006 Jan;22(1 Suppl):S26-32.

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