Objectives
To determine the effect of MNP (90 ug iodine) given for 16 weeks on iodine status of children aged 4-6 years old
Methods
In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, coded sachets with 1.0 g MNP (15 micronutrients; 90 ug iodine) or 1.0 g placebo were added to rations of children enrolled in a supplementary feeding program. Sample size (N=230) was based on the primary outcome of urinary iodine concentration (UIC) (a=0.05; power= 80%). UIC was measured using ammonium persulfate digestion with detection of the Sandell-Kolthoff reaction. Median UIC were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test on an intention-to-treat basis.
Results
Informed consent was obtained for children randomly allocated to MNP (N=182) and control (CON; n=178). Socio-demographic characteristics, compliance, and utilization of iodized salt was similar. The proportion of stunted children was lower for MNP(19.7 vs 26.9; p<0.01). Baseline median UIC (ug/L) was similar at 172 (CON) and 174 (MNP). The proportion of children with UIC within the moderate-severe range was 19% (CON) and 21% (MNP). The median UIC of MNP was significantly higher (234 ug/L; p<0.0001) compared to CON (158 ug /L) at endline. The proportion of children with median UIC in the moderate-severe range in MNP (6.6%) was half of CON (12.3%).
Conclusions
MNP with 90 ug iodine at 60 sachets over 16 weeks significantly improves urinary iodine concentration.
