A study in northern India shows that milk fortified with specific micronutrients lowers the risk of diarrhea and acute lower respiratory illness in children.
Here’s a list of what was added to the milk.
- Zinc 7.8 mg
- Iron 9.6 mg
- Selenium 4.2 meg
- Copper 0.27 mg
- Vitamin A 156 mcg
- Vitamin C 40.2 mg
- Vitamin E 7.5 mg
The study included more than 600 children aged 1 to 3 years. About half drank enough of the fortified milk each day to get these amounts of nutrients, while the others drank regular milk.
The researchers concluded, “Milk is well accepted as a means of delivery of micronutrients.” The greatest benefits were seen among preschool children who were 2 years old or younger.
The research was a collaborative effort between Johns Hopkins School of Public Health in Baltimore and Annamalai University in India.
11/30/06 10:12 JR