Effect of Regular Consumption of Micronutrient Fortified Beverage on the Micronutrient Status of Indian Schoolchildren

The Effects of Regular Consumption of a Multiple Micronutrient Fortified Beverage on the Micronutrient Status of Indian Schoolchildren and on Their Mental and Physical Performance

The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of regular consumption of micronutrient fortified drink in improving nutritional and micronutrient status in Indian school children. The test beverage will be fortified with both, vitamins and minerals.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Apparently healthy school going children
• not severely malnourished weight-for-height z-score ≥-2 not severely anemic (Hb<8g/dl)
• Age: 7-10 years
• Not taking any food supplements/fortified drinks
• Not planning to move out during the study duration

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age: <7 and >10 years
• Severe anemia (Hb < 8 g/dl)
• Severely malnourished children with weight-for-height z-score <-3 will be excluded.
• Cardiovascular disease on clinical examination or history
• Underlying respiratory disease with impairment of lung function
• Physical disability which can interfere or limit performance of tests
• Recent history (3 months prior) of serious infections, injuries and/ or surgeries
• Any food allergy or food intolerance
• Participation in any nutritional study in the last 1year
• Children consuming nutritional supplements and/ or health food drinks