[Effects of complementary food supplements on respiratory infections and diarrhea of infants and young children in poor rural].

Objective: To investigate the effect of complementary food supplements with protein and multi-micronutrients on respiratory infections and diarrhea of infants and yound children in poor rural China.

Methods: In 5 poor county of Gansu Province, 1478 children aged 4 - 12 months were enrolled and divided into two groups. In addition to the usual home-made complementary food, all the children were fed one package of either formula I or formula II per day, usual home-made complementary food, all the children were fed one package of either formula I or formula II per day, protein and micronutrient were supplemented in formula I group. Every 6 months, a massive dose of vitamin A was protein and micronutrient were supplemented in formula I group. Every 6 months, a massive dose of vitamin A was supplemented to all children, weight and height measurements have been done every 3 months until they were 24 months old.

Results: During the follow-up of 12 months supplementation, prevalence of respiratory infection and diarrhea reduce significantly compared with baseline survey (P < 0.0001), there is no difference between the two group at the same survey, lasting time of respiratory infection is shortened in formula I group, and medical cost of disease in the two groups Complementary food supplements, with large-dose vitamin A, reduce prevalence of reduced significantly.

Conclusion: Complementary food supplements, with large-dose vitamin A, reduce prevalence of respiratory infections, diarrhea and medical cost of those diseases.