Micronutrient Powder (named "Sprinkles" at that time) was discovered by Professor Stanley Zlotkin in Canada in 1996. It has already been tested and even implemented as a part of emergency relief in many countries around the world.
It is not recommended to use Micronutrient Powder (MNP) without mixing it into food first because the child may not like the taste and will be difficult to swallow. It's better to mix it into food to ensure the child eats it.
Yes, it can be used by the Muslims. Neither alcohol nor pork products are used in the production of Micronutrient Powder (MNP). They have Halal Certification.
Micronutrient Powder (MNP) can be added to any regular home-based semi-solid complimentary food. Emergency rations are suitable for the addition of Micronutrient Powder (MNP) increasing the nutritive value of the provided food. Micronutrient supplement has been used in emergency relief aid in northern Philippines, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Haiti.
If Micronutrient Powder (MNP) is mixed into liquids, the micronutrients will float to the top of the liquids and tend to stick to the side of the cup or glass and therefore some will be lost in the process. It is therefore recommended not to add Micronutrient Powder (MNP) to liquids.
Micronutrient Powder (MNP) contains Vitamins and Minerals. Unlike tea/coffee and other substances, Vitamins and Minerals are not addictive.
There have been no reports of diarrhea from the micronutrient supplement in young children. Diarrhea occurs due to other factors such as unhygienic food or unhygienic environment or contaminated water.
Studies conducted in other countries concluded that micronutrient supplement has no side effects. But because of the iron content in Micronutrient Powder (MNP), a child's stool may be darker than normal. Unabsorbed iron makes the child's stool darker which is not of concern.
There is no risk of toxicity. The dose of Vitamin A in Micronutrient Powder (MNP) is formulated to help the child meet the daily Vitamin A requirement. When WHO initiated the high dose capsules, they did not stipulate that the child receiving the supplement should not eat food containing Vitamin A. Indeed they recommended an age appropriate diet which would contain all micronutrients, including Vitamin A.
Micronutrient Powder (MNP) does not need cooking. It can be sprinkled and mixed with cooked regular home based food on the basis of one sachet per child per day.
Several studies have shown the effectiveness of Micronutrient Powder (MNP) in improving micronutrient status and reducing the burden associated with micronutrient deficiencies like iron deficiency anemia.
No, Micronutrient Powder (MNP) is not a medicine but it is a powdered nutrient supplement or food supplement for children 6-59 months that contains 15 essential vitamins and minerals that promote optimum growth and development in children.
Micronutrient Powder (MNP) is a power blend of vitamins and minerals, and very safe and effective in reducing micronutrient malnutrition.
Yes, the amount of micronutrients in Micronutrient Powder (MNP) sachet is high enough to meet the needs of infants with micronutrient deficiencies (e.g. Iron Deficiency Anemia) but not too high for those who do not have deficiencies. Thus, it is safe to use Micronutrient Powder (MNP) even in infants without micronutrient deficiencies.
The potential for overdose is unlikely because numerous individual packages (approximately 20 sachets) would have to be opened and ingested to reach toxicity levels.
Zinc supplementation is given especially for diarrhea. Zinc present in Micronutrient Powder (MNP) is based on the recommended dietary allowance (RDA), so there is no chance of overdosing.
Micronutrient Powder (MNP) can be continued even if the child is sick. The child needs extra vitamins and minerals to recover from the illness, so it should be continued.
There is no need to stop other vitamins. The more vitamins consumed by a child, the better. Micronutrient Powder (MNP) is a nutrient supplement that contains many vitamins and minerals to support optimal growth and development in young children.
Micronutrient Powder (MNP) contains a recommended daily allowance of 15 different vitamins and minerals: Vitamins A, D, E, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, NIacin, Folate, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Selenium and Iodine.
60 sachets only for 6-11 months and 120 sachets only for 12-23 months.
One sachet of Micronutrient Powder (MNP) per child per day provides an adequate intake of vitamins and minerals for children.
It is recommended to give Micronutrient Powder (MNP) containing food to a child when the child eats most as per habit. It can be given any time during the day.
Infants and children aged 6-23 months should be given MNP per child per day.
Micronutrient deficiencies lead to various disorders like Iron Deficiency Anemia, Vitamin A Deficiency, and Iodine Deficiency Disorder; which lead to impaired motor development and growth, decreased immunity as well as adversely affect intellectual development and mental capacity. To prevent children from such disorders, it is very important to give MNP.
It was observed that the standard iron drops were not effective, as adherence to treatment remained poor. A simple, inexpensive and potentially viable new method to provide micronutrients was conceptualized. Responding to the challenge, micronutrient supplements (with different brand names) were developed. "Sprinkles" was the first brand developed by the "Sprinkles Global Health Initiative" at The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto.
Since Micronutrient Powder (MNP) contains essential Vitamins and Minerals important to improve a child's immunity, the child will be healthy. A healthy child will have a good and increased appetite for food. Continuous use of Micronutrient Powder (MNP) will improve a child's health and increase the appetite for food.