Supported by the CGIAR

Monday, April 10, 2023

A Sprinkle a Day Keeps Anemia at Bay

IFPRI-Cornell University study shows effective way to reduce micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries

Micronutrient malnutrition: A global problem

Deficiencies in iron and other micronutrientscause:

• poor health• premature death • impaired mental and

physical development

© 2002 Michael Rubinstein

The most widespread micronutrient deficiency in the world

Children aged six to 24 months are most vulnerable to sufferingfrom iron-deficiencyanemia

© 1997 Alison Slack/IFPRI

Iron-deficiency anemia

In Haiti, two-thirdsof children underthree are anemic

© 2002 Cornelia Loechl

Sprinkles study in Haiti

Sprinkles, a nutritionalsupplement that can be added to children’s food, can dramaticallyreduce anemia

© 2002 Cornelia Loechl

Micronutrient Sprinkles reduced anemia by more than half among poor children

Based on a study of children, aged 9- to 24-months, enrolled in a food aid program in rural Haiti.

Before SprinklesDistributed

After 2 Months At 7-Month Follow-up

54

24

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10

20

30

40

50

60P

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Study shows major potential for food aid

Sprinkles areeffective in reducing anemiaas part of fortifiedfood aid programs

© 2005 Cornelia Loechl

Sprinkles—effective, practical, and inexpensive

• Simply add to food

• Each child gets onepacket per day

• Tasteless, odorless, and do not change the color of food

Facts about Sprinkles

• Cost 3-5 cents per packet

• Each packet contains 12.5 milligrams of iron, plus other micronutrients

• Easy to store, transport, and distribute

Combating micronutrient deficiencies across the globe

Sprinkles have improved the health and well-being of poor childrenin other countries, such as Bangladesh, Ghana, and Indonesia

Policy implications/recommendations

• Fortified food aid is often insufficient to prevent anemia, evenwhen combined with iron-rich foods

• Food aid for young children should include a supplement such as Sprinkles

Policy implications/recommendations

• Integrating Sprinkles into existing food aid programs is highly feasible

• Sprinkles can be used effectively inthe home—mothers love them

Micronutrient Sprinkles

One of the most promising innovationsin nutrition today

© 2003 Cornelia Loechl