Effects of EED on Zn Absorption and Retention in Children From a MNP

Participating children are screened for EED using the lactulose:mannitol ratio test and assigned to one of two groups: +EED or -EED. After assignment to one of the two groups, proposed subjects will be randomized to one of four supplement groups: Micronutrient powder (MNP) with 15 mg Zn, MNP with 10 mg Zn, MNP with 5 mg Zn, and MNP with 0 mg Zn. Children will receive the supplement once with a meal on Day 8 of the study. Absorption of zinc from the supplement and from other non-supplemented meals will be determined using zinc stable isotope technology.

Inclusion criteria

• Absence of apparent health problems that would impair ability to consume regular diet, to tolerate zinc supplements, or to comply with demands of metabolic studies
• Length for age Z (LAZ) score between -1.5 to -3.0
• Hg ≥ 8

Exclusion criteria

• Outside age range
• Hb < 8
• Chronic illness
• Zinc supplement within past 2 weeks (including for treatment of diarrhea or MNP containing zinc)
• Severe stunting and/or severe acute malnutrition (SAM): LAZ <-3; WHZ <-3 or MUAC < 115 or edema