[pronut-hiv] Improving nutrition in children and mothers

["George M. Carter" <gmc0@ix.netcom.com>]

Improving nutrition in children and mothers
George M. Carter
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 Elvira Beracochea wrote:

ESSENTIAL NUTRITION ACTIONS TOOLKIT PROVIDES MATERIALS FOR IMPROVING 
NUTRITION IN CHILDREN AND MOTHERS

ENA is an approach that could lay the foundation for specific actions  for 
children living with AIDS.   It is a way of focusing limited programmatic 
efforts and resources. The tools are available and can be used by everyone.
ENA Priority Behaviors

1.      Exclusive breastfeeding for six months
2.      Adequate complementary feeding
starting at about six months with continued breastfeeding for two years
3.      Appropriate nutritional care of sick and severely malnourished 
children
4.      Adequate intake of vitamin A for women and children
5.      Adequate intake of
iron for women and children
6.      Adequate intake of iodine by all members of the
household
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While I well understand limitations on access, clearly there have been 
programs that distribute micronutrients such as iron and iodine. The 
question is how relevant they, and vitamin A are. On the one hand, it shows that obtaining micronutrients is possible (now, this is talking about a 
supplement, not to replace food/clean water).

The data CONSISTENTLY show little benefit from vitamin A alone. Iron may be problematic, though not for women.

By contrast, there are increasing data on the benefits of a multi and/or a 
B complex. These are only slightly more expensive than these other 
nutrients and will have a better impact.

It is time people were given recommendations based on the literature and 
common sense. And based on the best possible outcome. I think is an 
inadequate approach and not particularly activist. It should be MUCH stronger.

George M. Carter
--
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