Evaluation of the Use of Plasma Zinc Concentration for Assessing the Impact of Targeted and Mass Zinc Fortification Programs

The objectives of the present study are to determine whether plasma zinc concentration changes in response to additional zinc consumption, as provided by zinc-fortified cereal-based complementary foods fed to young children. The following specific steps will be completed:

1. Zinc-fortified complementary foods and breads prepared from zinc-fortified cereal flours will be developed with assistance from experts in food technology.
2. A two-week feeding trial will be implemented to assess the change in plasma zinc concentration among young children who receive: a) the zinc-fortified cereal porridge and a liquid vitamin preparation between meals; b) a non-zinc-fortified cereal porridge and a liquid vitamin preparation between meals [negative control group]; or c) a non-zinc-fortified cereal porridge and a zinc-containing liquid vitamin preparation between meals [positive control group].