Home fortification with micronutrient powders. Technical guidelines for health personnel

Authors

  • Blanca Graciela Terry Berro Instituto Nacional de Higiene, Epidemiología y Microbiología
  • Denise Caridad Silvera Tellez Instituto Nacional de Higiene, Epidemiología y Microbiología
  • Yarisa Domínguez Ayllón Instituto Nacional de Higiene, Epidemiología y Microbiología

Keywords:

dietary supplements, micronutrients, nutritional anemias, counselling.

Abstract

Introduction: Home fortification of food with micronutrient powders is considered an effective intervention to reduce iron deficiency anemia and other deficiencies in the child population.

Objective: To provide technical guidelines for health personnel at the primary healthcare level to support the supplementation of children between 6 and 23 months of age with micronutrient powders.

Methods: The technical team was established. The formulations used in the region and the experience gained in interventions conducted in eastern provinces were reviewed. Moreover, a document on scientific evidence was prepared based on the nutritional recommendations for this population.

Results: The supplement allowed the prevention of nutritional deficiencies as it could cover the gaps in their requirement. Technical guidelines directed to health personnel at different healthcare levels were available to ensure the success of nutritional counselling to the Cuban family, and the adequate use of the supplement.

Conclusions: This work provides elements and technical guidelines for the training of health personnel to socialize, disseminate and provide technical tools in the use of the supplement as a cost-effective measure for the prevention of micronutrient deficiencies.

 

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Author Biographies

Blanca Graciela Terry Berro, Instituto Nacional de Higiene, Epidemiología y Microbiología

Presidenta de la Sociedad Cubana de Higiene y Epidemiología

Denise Caridad Silvera Tellez, Instituto Nacional de Higiene, Epidemiología y Microbiología

Investigador Agregado y Profesor Instructor.

Yarisa Domínguez Ayllón, Instituto Nacional de Higiene, Epidemiología y Microbiología

Investigador Agregado y Profesor Auxiliar

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Published

2023-04-06

How to Cite

1.
Terry Berro BG, Silvera Tellez DC, Domínguez Ayllón Y. Home fortification with micronutrient powders. Technical guidelines for health personnel. Rev. cuba. hig. epidemiol. [Internet]. 2023 Apr. 6 [cited 2025 Jan. 22];60. Available from: https://revepidemiologia.sld.cu/index.php/hie/article/view/1415

Issue

Section

COMUNICACIÓN BREVE