Several studies have identified the benefits of zinc are not limited to specific groups, and that intervention should include all children at risk, mainly those living in developing countries with high rates of

morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases.14In Canada, in the 1990s, with the objective of preventing micronutrient deficiencies PR171 in children, sprinkles were developed as a strategy for home fortification of foods. The sprinkles are sachets containing dried and predetermined micronutrients encapsulated by a thin lipid layer, which prevents interaction with other nutrients and confers an almost imperceptible level of food modification regarding color, flavor, and texture, facilitating Anti-infection Compound Library clinical trial their acceptance by children.15, 16 and 17 This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of DD and ARI in children receiving zinc supplementation combined with other micronutrients through the use of sprinkles, as well as their acceptance. Between August and November of 2009, a randomized, controlled, double-blinded study was conducted in a non-profit day care center located in a lower socioeconomic class neighborhood of Salvador, capital of the state of Bahia, Brazil. Data were collected by the staff of Centro de Pesquisa Fima Lifishitz – Universidade Federal da Bahia. The sprinkles were donated by Emory

University, Atlanta, USA. A sample was calculated to detect a 20% reduction in the occurrence of diarrheal episodes and respiratory infections compared to commonly observed rates over a period of three months in the children attending the studied day care center. Considering a beta error of 0.80 and an alpha error of 0.05, it was necessary to recruit at least 60 subjects

per group. The inclusion criteria were: almost healthy children aged 6 to 48 months, of both genders, whose parents or legal guardians consented to participation by signing an informed consent, who agreed not to offer any vitamin and/or mineral supplement during the study period, except for the sprinkles, which were sent home on weekends and holidays. The exclusion criteria were: participants with severe malnutrition (z-score W/H < -3), severe anemia (Hb < 9.0 mg/dL); any active severe illness requiring hospitalization, including DD or ARI; and history of underlying disease that could eventually interfere in the evaluation. Children enrolled in the institution considered eligible for the study were randomized into two groups: group A (test) and group B (control). Randomization was performed by rooms and nurseries, according to a computer-generated sequence. The study’s medical team was responsible for identifying eligible subjects, collecting the medical history, and performing the physical examination. Finally, blood was collected for complete blood count analysis, to eliminate subjects with severe anemia from the analysis.