Micronutrient

News

SPRING Shares Experiences with Hemoglobin Measurement and Engaging Men for Nutrition at CORE Group

SPRING participated in the CORE Group Global Health Practitioner Conference, delivering a presentation on engaging men for improved nutrition, and sharing research on hemoglobin measurement...

Keywords: Anemia, Community media, Community, Women's empowerment, Micronutrient
Location: Sahel

SPRING Publishes a Series Exploring Experiences and Lessons Learned for Operationalizing Micronutrient Powders

Key participants of the Micronutrient Powders Consultation wrote a series of three articles to discuss and elevate the literature on micronutrient powder implementation research.

Keywords: Micronutrient, Anemia, Communication, Social and behavior change communication, Gender, Health systems, Maternal nutrition, Supplementation, Training

Fortifying the Future: SPRING/Uganda Assembles Maize Millers to Discuss Potential for Fortification

In November 2017, SPRING/Uganda invited maize flour producers and other stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities in fortifying flour and learn about technology options for...

Keywords: Fortification, Anemia, Micronutrient
Location: Uganda

SPRING/Uganda Presents on Micronutrient Powder Pilot at the International Symposium on Community Health Workers in Kampala

SPRING’s presentation highlighted the role of Village Health Teams in closing the gap between health facilities and caregivers.

Keywords: Micronutrient, Social and behavior change communication, Workforce, Multi-sector
Location: Uganda

Ghana’s Northern Region is Training to Fight Anemia

SPRING/Ghana is supporting the Ghana Health Service in building the capacity of its health workers and community health volunteers of the Northern Region to tackle the major public health...

Keywords: Anemia, Health systems, Micronutrient, Sustainability, Training, Multi-sector
Location: Ghana

SPRING/Uganda Partners with Feed the Future’s Commodity Production and Marketing Activity

SPRING/Uganda trained maize millers to fortify maize flour and adopt good manufacturing practices.

Keywords: Anemia, Multi-sector, Fortification, Micronutrient
Location: Uganda

SPRING Collects Endline Data on Micronutrient Powder Distribution in Namutumba District, Uganda

SPRING supervises the collection of data from 1,600 individuals to provide guidance for implementation of micronutrient powder (MNP) programs.

Keywords: Micronutrient, Maternal, infant, and young child nutrition
Location: Uganda

SPRING/Uganda at the East African Baby and Kids Expo

SPRING/Uganda participated in the expo to create awareness about the benefits of fortified foods.

Keywords: Fortification, Micronutrient
Location: Uganda

SPRING Takes Part in the 2016 Micronutrient Forum Global Conference

Five staff members represented SPRING at the 2016 Micronutrient Forum Global Conference in Cancun, Mexico

Keywords: Multi-sector, Anemia, Micronutrient
Location: Mexico

SPRING/Bangladesh Supports Government of Bangladesh Vitamin A Plus Campaign

SPRING/Bangladesh provided secretarial and logistical supports and assisted in community mobilization activities in Khulna and Barisal divisions for the successful observance of the Vitamin...

Keywords: Malnutrition, Maternal, infant, and young child nutrition, Micronutrient, Supplementation
Location: Bangladesh

SPRING Interviews MNP Users and Distributors to Improve Programming in Uganda

SPRING interviewed 64 Micronutrient Powder users and distributors to identify successes understand barriers they face in using and distributing MNP.

Keywords: Anemia, Complementary feeding, Fortification, Infant and young child feeding, Mass media, Maternal, infant, and young child nutrition, Micronutrient, Supplementation, Scale-up
Location: Uganda

SPRING Presents at Ghana’s Micronutrient Task Team Meeting

SPRING presents anemia landscape analysis findings and guides efforts on anemia training and IFA operational research at the Micronutrient Task Team meeting in Ghana

Keywords: Anemia, Micronutrient, Training, Supplementation
Location: Ghana

Events

Changing The Way We Think About Cost-Effectiveness of Addressing Childhood Anemia

Micronutrient powders (MNP) are a mixture of micronutrients in single-dose sachets that are mixed in young children's food to reduce anemia and iron deficiency.

Keywords: Anemia, Micronutrient
Location: Online

Micronutrient Forum Global Conference 2016

The 2016 Micronutrient Forum Global Conference-a global conference that brings together specialists from a wide array of sectors who share an interest in reducing micronutrient malnutrition...

Keywords: Anemia, Micronutrient
Location: Cancun, Mexico

Journal Articles

Screenshot of the website where this document is housed. Contains the title and authors.

Experiences and Lessons Learned for Planning and Supply Of Micronutrient Powders Interventions

This paper focuses on programmatic experiences in the planning stages of an MNP intervention, encompassing assessment, enabling environment and adaptation, as well as considerations for...

Keywords: Anemia, Micronutrient

Experiences and Lessons Learned for Delivery of Micronutrient Powders Interventions

This paper focuses on programmatic experiences related to MNP delivery (models, platforms, and channels), SBCC, and training. Methods included a review of published and grey literature,...

Keywords: Anemia, Micronutrient

Experiences and Lessons Learned for Programme Improvement Of Micronutrient Powders Interventions

This paper focuses on how MNP interventions undertook key elements of programme improvement, specifically, the use of programme theory, monitoring, process evaluation, and supportive...

Keywords: Micronutrient, Anemia

Galleries

Maize Millers in Uganda Assemble to Discuss Potential for Fortification

On November 13th, SPRING/Uganda invited maize flour producers in Uganda to learn about challenges and opportunities in fortifying flour and shared resources on potential technology options...

Keywords: Anemia, Micronutrient
Location: Uganda

Spring/Uganda Shares Results of Micronutrient Powders Distribution Pilot in Namutumba

SPRING presented the results of our formative, qualitative, and cost-effectiveness research on micronutrient powders in Namutumba district to district and national stakeholders during a one...

Keywords: Anemia, Micronutrient
Location: Uganda

Salima Muyodi a VHT teaches mothers and caretakers about MNP. MNP are an effective intervention for decreasing anemia in young children, but getting the benefits requires regular use of MNP from age 6 to 23 months.

Delivering Micronutrient Powders in Namutumba District: Exploring Two Distribution Methods in Uganda

SPRING/Uganda piloted two different methods of distributing micronutrient powders (MNP) to 22,234 children aged 6 - 23 months in Namutumba District.

Keywords: Anemia, Micronutrient, Fortification
Location: Uganda

SPRING's First Micronutrient Powder Distribution in Namutumba

SPRING/Uganda is implementing a micronutrient powder (MNP) program

Keywords: Micronutrient, Anemia
Location: Uganda

Videos

Two women sit and talk. One woman holds a packet of micronutrient powder and explains its benefits to the other woman.

The Vitamin and Mineral Powders Journey in Namutumba District, Uganda

This video provides an overview of SPRING/Uganda's work in micronutrient powders.

Keywords: Micronutrient, Fortification, Anemia, Infant and young child feeding
Location: Uganda

Success Stories

Whitney, 2, with his grandmother Zewelensi, 60. Whitney was malnourished, but after three months of eating foods mixed with MNP, his health improved.

The Power of Powders in Uganda

SPRING, which applies a multi-sectoral approach to reduce stunting and anemia, helped the Ugandan Ministry of Health pilot the rollout MNP sachet distribution in both health facilities and...

Keywords: Micronutrient, Anemia
Location: Uganda

Reports

A Qualitative Review of Micronutrient Powder Distribution in Namutumba District, Uganda

Micronutrient powders (MNP) are one of the few interventions that address multiple micronutrient deficiencies simultaneously and contribute to anemia reduction in young children from six to...

Keywords: Anemia, Micronutrient, Infant and young child feeding, Maternal, infant, and young child nutrition
Location: Uganda

Nutrition Indicators Results from Six Districts in South Western and East Central Uganda

In May and July 2014, follow-up surveys to the 2013 SPRING household baseline survey were separately conducted in each region after a period of one year among the intervention (Kisoro and...

Keywords: Breastfeeding, Complementary feeding, Micronutrient, Fortification
Location: Uganda

Posters

Experiences and Learning from the 'Micronutrient Powders Consultation: Lessons Learned for Operational Guidance'

USAID’s global nutrition project, SPRING, convened MNP experts in a year-long effort to share evidence and experience for MNP interventions, complementing existing resources.

Keywords: Micronutrient, Multi-sector, Anemia

Challenges with Identifying Rapid Methods that are Accurate and Cost Effective for Food Fortification Monitoring and Inspections

The USAID-funded SPRING project in Uganda compared the performance of iCheck test kits in measuring levels of iron, iodine, and vitamin A in fortified food samples against the performance...

Keywords: Anemia, Multi-sector, Micronutrient
Location: Uganda

Piloting Through Partnership: Micronutrient Powders In Uganda

The Uganda Ministry of Health (MOH) established a micronutrient technical working group (MN-TWG) in July 2012 and tasked it with exploring the potential rollout of MNP in Uganda. The group...

Keywords: Micronutrient, Anemia
Location: Uganda

Using SBCC to Lower Barriers to Appropriate Use of Micronutrient Powders in Uganda

With researchers from the University of British Columbia, the Micronutrient Technical Working Group (MN-TWG) conducted formative research to assess the acceptability of MNP in Uganda and to...

Keywords: Social and behavior change communication, Anemia, Micronutrient
Location: Uganda

Looking at Micronutrient Powder Distribution Qualitatively

Although micronutrient powders (MNP) are a promising intervention for reducing anemia in young children, research on MNP has focused more on clinical outcomes than operational issues.

Keywords: Micronutrient, Anemia
Location: Uganda

Resource Review Summaries

Micronutrient Powders: Getting a Grip on Effective Implementation

GAIN Executive Director Lawrence Haddad eloquently summarizes the key issues related to operationalizing micronutrient powders (MNP), drawing on information from SPRING’s report on a global...

Keywords: Anemia, Micronutrient

Adherence to Home Fortification with Micronutrient Powders in Kenyan Pre-School Children: Self-Reporting and Sachet Counts Compared to an Electronic Monitoring Device

In this study, researchers compare sachet count or self-reporting forms to electronic devices for measuring adherence to daily home fortification with micronutrient powders (MNP) and...

Keywords: Anemia, Fortification, Micronutrient
Location: Kenya

Effect of Low-Dose Versus Higher Dose Antenatal Iron Supplementation on Child Health Outcomes at 36 Months of Age in Viet Nam: Longitudinal Follow-Up of a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

This study assessed anthropometric measurements and developmental and laboratory outcomes in children born to women who received daily iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation, twice...

Keywords: Anemia, Supplementation, Micronutrient
Location: Vietnam

An Animal-Source Food Supplement Increases Micronutrient Intakes and Iron Status among Reproductive-Age Women in Rural Vietnam

This study assessed the impact of a local animal-sourced food (ASF) supplement on the micronutrient status of rural, Vietnamese women aged 18-30 years. Participants of this study were given...

Keywords: Anemia, Micronutrient
Location: Vietnam

Biofortification: Better Crops, Better Nutrition

Biofortification to address nutrient deficiencies unites agriculture and nutrition to improve the health and livelihoods of smallholder farming families – still the majority of the...

Keywords: Agriculture, Fortification, Micronutrient

Anemia Offers Stronger Protection than Sickle Cell Trait Against the Erythrocytic Stage of Falciparum Malaria and this Protection is Reversed by Iron Supplementation

This study, conducted in The Gambia, explored the protective nature of iron deficiency anemia against malaria. Findings showed that anemia, more so than sickle-cell trait, hindered the...

Keywords: Anemia, Micronutrient, Supplementation
Location: Gambia

Effect of Timing of Micronutrient Powder Consumption on Iron Absorption in Infants

A new trial has been designed to examine how the timing of micronutrient powder (MNP) interventions can impact iron absorption and consequently iron and anemia status in infants. The...

Keywords: Micronutrient

Thai Scientists Use Nuclear Technology to Fight the Double Burden of Malnutrition

In Thailand, many of the local source foods do not meet the nutritional needs of children, which can lead to deficiencies in micronutrients such as iron – a major cause of anemia. Thai...

Keywords: Anemia, Micronutrient, Fortification
Location: Thailand

Use of Multiple Micronutrient Powders for Point-of-Use Fortification of Foods Consumed by Infants and Young Children Aged 6–23 Months and Children Aged 2–12 Years

The World Health Organization released global guidance on micronutrient powders (MNP) for children aged 6-23 months and 2-12 years. The guideline recommends MNP with complementary foods for...

Keywords: Anemia, Complementary feeding, Micronutrient

Agronomic Biofortification of Crops to Fight Hidden Hunger in Sub-Saharan Africa

Micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent in crops and people in sub-Saharan Africa. Agronomic biofortification can increase yields and micronutrient contents of these crops, but there is a...

Keywords: Agriculture, Micronutrient, Fortification
Location: Africa

Micronutrient Forum Global Conference 2016

The Micronutrient Forum Global Conference took place in Cancun on October 24 – 28, 2016. The theme of the event was prioritizing women’s nutrition in order to achieve the Sustainable...

Keywords: Anemia, Micronutrient, Multi-sector
Location: Mexico

What’s My Status?: How Engaging 4,000 Households in a Nutrition Survey Encourages Behavior Change

Holly McKee, of Bioanalyt, tells of her experience supporting data collection to evaluate Helen Keller International’s Enhanced Homestead Food Production (EHFP) program in Indonesia. The...

Keywords: Social and behavior change communication, Anemia, Micronutrient
Location: Indonesia

Senegal: Major Shift for Women and Adolescent Girls

The Micronutrient Initiative (MI), in collaboration with the Government of Canada, launched the Right Start program in Senegal, with the goal of reducing anemia in women and adolescent...

Keywords: Anemia, Adolescents, Multi-sector, Micronutrient
Location: Senegal

Iron Supplementation in Postpartum Women

This document provides the most recent WHO guidelines for use of iron supplementation in postpartum women. The guidelines review evidence on safety and effectiveness to support policy-...

Keywords: Anemia, Micronutrient

Home Fortification Technical Advisory Group Toolkit

The Home Fortification Technical Advisory Group (HF-TAG) has released a revision to their Toolkit, which guides program planning for Micronutrient Powders (MNP). The toolkit complements...

Keywords: Anemia, Micronutrient

Impact of Text Message Reminders on Caregivers' Adherence to a Home Fortification Program Against Child Anemia in Rural Western China: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial

This study investigated whether text message reminders improved the efficacy of micronutrient powder in western China. Children 6 to 12 months were assigned to receive MNP and text message...

Keywords: Anemia, Micronutrient
Location: China

Delaying Iron Therapy until 28 Days after Antimalarial Treatment Is Associated with Greater Iron Incorporation and Equivalent Hematologic Recovery after 56 Days in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

In this study, researchers assessed absorption of therapeutic iron among children in Uganda that were given antimalarial treatment. Children aged 6-59 months with both malaria and anemia...

Keywords: Anemia, Fortification, Micronutrient
Location: Uganda

Complementary Feeding Diets Made of Local Foods Can Be Optimized, but Additional Interventions Will Be Needed to Meet Iron and Zinc Requirements in 6- to 23-Month-Old Children in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

This systematic literature search explored whether children aged 6 to 23 months can fulfill their nutrient needs by consuming locally sourced foods. The results suggested that complementary...

Keywords: Complementary feeding, Micronutrient

The Ministry of Health of Peru Trains Mothers in Charge of Communal Kitchens to Combat Anaemia in Young Children

On January 30, 2016, Peru’s Ministry of Health came together with the Ministry of Education for an event on anemia prevention. The event targeted mothers who coordinate communal kitchens in...

Keywords: Anemia, Dietary diversity, Water, sanitation, and hygiene, Micronutrient, Supplementation, Training
Location: Peru

Improving Nutrition in India through Biofortified Crops

In this video, Binu Cherian and Parminder Virk of HarvestPlus discuss why biofortification can be an effective measure to help address micronutrient deficiencies, especially as a...

Keywords: Anemia, Fortification, Micronutrient, Agriculture
Location: India

Guideline: Use of Multiple Micronutrient Powders for Point-of-Use Fortification of Foods Consumed by Pregnant Women

The World Health Organization (WHO) published global guidance on micronutrient powders (MNP) for point-of-use fortification of foods consumed by pregnant women. The guideline recommends...

Keywords: Anemia, Micronutrient

Mineral- and Vitamin-Enhanced Micronutrient Powder Reduces Stunting in Full-Term Low-Birth-Weight Infants Receiving Nutrition, Health, and Hygiene Education: a 2 x 2 Factorial, Cluster-Randomized Trial in Bangladesh

This study examined the impact of nutrition and hygiene interventions on stunting in full-term low-birthweight infants. Researchers found that hand sanitizer, combined with nutrition,...

Keywords: Anemia, Micronutrient
Location: Bangladesh

Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women: A Guide to Measurement

The Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W) indicator acts as a tool for assessment, target-setting, and advocacy. MDD-W is a dichotomous indicator of whether or not women 15-49 years...

Keywords: Gender, Dietary diversity, Micronutrient, Agriculture

Promoting Multi-Micronutrient Powders (MNP) in Peru: Acceptance by Caregivers and Role of Health Personnel

In this qualitative study, the authors found that health personnel have a great deal of influence on caregivers’ understanding and acceptance of micronutrient powders (MNPs). Home visits...

Keywords: Micronutrient, Anemia
Location: Peru

Biofortification: the Evidence

HarvestPlus is a global leader in the development of more nutritious and micronutrient-rich varieties of staple food crops. This process, known as biofortification, has proven to be an...

Keywords: Micronutrient, Fortification, Agriculture, Anemia

Uganda Introduces Diet Supplementation Program to Fight Malnutrition in Children

SPRING, UNICEF, and the World Food Program (WFP), in collaboration with the Ugandan Ministry of Health (MOH), launched a home fortification program as a strategy to combat micronutrient...

Keywords: Anemia, Micronutrient, Fortification, Infant and young child feeding
Location: Uganda

Learnings from Madagascar: Using Market-Based Approaches to Increase the Reach of Micronutrient Powders

As part of the home fortification series, HF-TAG, in collaboration with UNICEF and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hosted their sixth webinar, titled “Learnings from...

Keywords: Micronutrient, Anemia

Micronutrient Forum Global Conference 2016: Positioning Women’s Nutrition at the Centre of Sustainable Development

Professionals, organizations, and stakeholders will come together for the Micronutrient Forum Global Conference on October 24-28, 2016, in Cancun, Mexico. The focus for this year’s forum...

Keywords: Fortification, Adolescents, Gender, Micronutrient

Assessing the Effectiveness of Agri-Food Value Chain: Interventions Aimed at Enhancing Consumption of Nutritious Food by the Poor

Despite rapid economic growth in recent years, South Asia still has among the highest child malnutrition rates in the world with half the child population undernourished. Besides children,...

Keywords: Malnutrition, Micronutrient, Agriculture
Location: Asia

Applying Systems Thinking for Nutrition	From Pilot to Practice: Community Video in the Sahel
How Can We Reduce Anemia?	How Do Programs Catalyze Change for Nutrition?
SPRING Promotes Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture	SPRING’s Community Video Resource Page

Micronutrient

News

Events

Journal Articles

Galleries

Videos

Success Stories

Reports

Posters

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Resource Review Summaries