Nga T. T., Winichagoon P., Dijkhuizen M. A., Khan N. C., Wasantwisut E., Wieringa Franck. (2011). Decreased parasite load and improved cognitive outcomes caused by deworming and consumption of multi-micronutrient fortified biscuits in rural Vietnamese schoolchildren. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 85 (2), p. 333-340. ISSN 0002-9637.
Titre du document
Decreased parasite load and improved cognitive outcomes caused by deworming and consumption of multi-micronutrient fortified biscuits in rural Vietnamese schoolchildren
Nga T. T., Winichagoon P., Dijkhuizen M. A., Khan N. C., Wasantwisut E., Wieringa Franck
Source
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2011,
85 (2), p. 333-340 ISSN 0002-9637
Micronutrient deficiencies are associated with impaired growth and cognitive function. A school-based fortification program might benefit schoolchildren but a high prevalence of parasite infestation might affect effectiveness. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 2 x 2 factorial trial was conducted to assess the efficacy of multi-micronutrient fortified biscuits with or without de-worming on growth, cognitive function, and parasite load in Vietnamese schoolchildren. Schoolchildren (n = 510), 6-8 years of age were randomly allocated to receive albendazole or placebo at baseline and four months of multi-micronutrient fortified biscuits (FB) or non-fortified biscuits. Children receiving FB for four months scored higher on two cognitive tests: Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices and the Digit Span Forward test. Children receiving albendazole plus FB had the lowest parasite load after four months. In children receiving FB, mid-upper arm circumference was slightly improved (+0.082 cm) but there were no differences in other indexes of anthropometry. Combining multi-micronutrient fortified biscuits with de-worming is an effective strategy.
