P2-373 A cluster randomised controlled clinical trial to assess the efficacy of multiple micronutrient supplementations (iron, vitamins A, C, folic acid and zinc) to improve the nutritional and health indicators in Jewish and Bedouin infants in southern Israel

BackgroundThe immediate and long-term effects of nutritional deficiencies are increased incidence and severity of acute conditions, impaired rates of growth, and retarded cognitive development. An efficacy intervention trial using novel supplementations Sprinkles (Suppleforte) was performed.MethodsControlled cluster randomised trial. We compared the efficacy of Sprinkles (the Sprinkles arm received one-dose multiple micronutrients sachets) with the standard treatment (the Control arm received standard liquid iron and vitamins A+D) supplied free of charge to the families with children from 6 to 12M of age attending well-baby clinics. Infants were enrolled between July 2005 and September 2007 in 12 neighbourhood clinics (randomisation units, clusters).ResultsThe final study population comprised 621 eligible infants. There was a positive significant effect of intervention among children of Sprinkles groups on mean level of folic acid and zinc in both Bedouin and Jewish populations (p