Anemia is one of the leading causes of malnutrition among children under five years of age. In Bangladesh, more than 50% of under-five children have been suffering from iron deficiency anemia (IDA). This powder is effective for the treatment and prevention of anemia. It is a tasteless and odorless micronutrient powder.

This preparation is used for:

• Preventing and treating micronutrient deficiencies and improving overall nutrition status of children (6-24 months)
• Increasing brain development and physical growth
• Increasing attention to and improving concentration in different activities such as education, games & sports, etc.
• Enhancing learning ability and memory functions
• Increasing resistance to diseases and reducing infections
• Increasing appetite

Each gram of micronutrient powder (in one sachet) contains:

• Vitamin A (Vitamin A Acetate) USP: 0.30 mg
• Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): 30.00 mg
• Folic Acid USP: 0.16 mg
• Iron (Ferrous Fumarate) BP: 12.50 mg
• Zinc (Zinc Gluconate) USP: 5.00 mg

This is most suited to children from the age of 6-23 months. As recommended by WHO, this preparation is very effective in addressing iron and micronutrient deficiency anemia among under five children.

The dose is-

• Feed this to children by mixing with semi-solid or soft food (rice, hotchpotch, suji etc).
• When child becomes hungry, mix one sachet of this preparation with a small quantity of child’s main meal of the day and feed it in full within half-an hour.
• Feed one sachet of this preparation to a child daily to be continued for 2 months, then 4 months interval and continue for another 2 months. Following same process, feed this preparation to children up to 59 months of age.

This is prohibited for children affected by thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, and HIV/AIDS.

Apparently this has no side effects, but due to the presence of iron in this preparation, a child's stool may be hard or soft and its color may also be blackish, and after a few days it will become normal.

• This is not applicable for children who are hospitalized or affected by acute malnutrition. In case of recovery and when the child begins to take food normally, then this can be fed again.
• This preparation should not be mixed with very hot, liquid or hard food.
• Do not feed this preparation to your child if the sachet is torn, abandoned, or its shelf life has expired.

Iron, Vitamin & Mineral Combined preparation

This should be stored in a dry place protected from light where the temperature is below 30°C.