Efficacy Trial to Examine Efficacy of Multimicronutrient Home Supplementation in Infants

The high level of anemia persists in Negev children despite the existence of a policy of the Ministry of Health that calls for Iron, Vitamin A and Vitamin D supplementation up to 12 months of age. In addition, other micronutrient deficiencies in this population have been described in several studies. These may be related to; low adherence with existing recommendations; need for additional micronutrients other than Iron, Vitamin A and Vitamin D; the need for a different delivery system more acceptable to mothers and infants. We will compare in Bedouin and Jewish children separately the efficacy of daily use of Sprinkles(home Micronutrient fortification) from age 6 to 12 months in infants recruited in Maternal and Child Health clinics. The comparison will be children recruited in clinics of comparable socioeconomic status, where current Ministry of Health recommendations (drops of iron and vitamins A plus D) are the treatment regimen.