Iron Bioavailability of Fortified Oat Drink

Iron Bioavailability Study Of Fortified Oat Drink

This study will follow a double blinded randomized controlled study design to enroll 20 apparently healthy 6 year old children. The children will be fed with two different nutrient fortified oat drinks labeled with stable isotopes of iron (Fe-57 or Fe-58 as NaFeEDTA). Fourteen days after consumption of meals on Day 2, blood will be drawn from the children for stable isotope measurements and iron absorption will be calculated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 6 year old children (inclusive)
• Normal BMI for age (WHO standard: 15.3-15.5 kg)
• Apparently healthy, no metabolic or gastrointestinal disorder; non-anemic (Hemoglobin values not less than 11.5 mg/dL -WHO cut-off for respective age)
• No medication or vitamin/mineral supplement will be consumed during the study; intake of vitamin/mineral supplement will be discontinued 2 weeks before the start of the study
• Parents demonstrate an understanding of the given information and ability to comply with the study procedure
• Obtained parental or legal representative's informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Known gastrointestinal or metabolic disorder or experiencing blood losses over the past 6 months;
• Children taking medication
• Children who are anemic (Hemoglobin values less than 11.5 mg/dL - WHO cut-off value for this age)
• Currently participating or having participated in another clinical trial during the past 3 months prior to the beginning of the study