Effect of multi-micronutrient-fortified rice on cognitive performance depends on premix composition and cognitive function tested: results of an effectiveness study in Cambodian schoolchildren

TY - JOUR

T1 - Effect of multi-micronutrient-fortified rice on cognitive performance depends on premix composition and cognitive function tested

T2 - results of an effectiveness study in Cambodian schoolchildren

AU - Fiorentino, Marion

AU - Perignon, Marlène

AU - Khov, Kuong

AU - de Groot, Richard

AU - Parker, Megan

AU - Burja, Kurt

AU - Dijkhuizen, Marjoleine Amma

AU - Sokhom, Sek

AU - Chamnan, Chhoun

AU - Berger, Jacques

AU - Wieringa, Frank T

N1 - CURIS 2018 NEXS 066

PY - 2018/3/1

Y1 - 2018/3/1

N2 - Objective Even though current policy is strongly focused on the crucial first '1000 days', it might be still possible to enhance cognitive function during the pre-adolescent and adolescent years by improving micronutrient status. In Cambodia, nutritional status is poor. Provision of rice fortified with micronutrients through a school meal programme (SMP) could be a cost-effective strategy to help improve health and school performance. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of three different micronutrient-fortified rice formulations on cognitive function in Cambodian children. Setting Sixteen Cambodian schools receiving SMP. Design The FORISCA-UltraRice®+NutriRice® study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Four groups of four schools were randomly allocated to receive normal rice, UltraRice®Original, UltraRice®New or NutriRice®. Within each school, 132 children were randomly selected. Data on cognitive performance (picture completion, block design and Raven's coloured progressive matrices (RCPM)), anthropometry, parasite infestation and micronutrient status were collected before the intervention and after 6 months. Subjects Cognitive data were available for 1796 children aged 6-16 years. Results All cognitive scores improved after 6 months (P<0·001). Block design score improvement was significantly higher in children consuming UltraRice®Original (P=0·03) compared with the other fortified rice groups and placebo. No difference among groups was found on RCPM or picture completion scores. Stunting, parasite infestation and inflammation negatively affected the impact of the intervention. Conclusions Combined with other interventions, using SMP to distribute fortified rice to schoolchildren may be a cost-effective way to increase cognitive performance and thereby improve school performance and educational achievements.

AB - Objective Even though current policy is strongly focused on the crucial first '1000 days', it might be still possible to enhance cognitive function during the pre-adolescent and adolescent years by improving micronutrient status. In Cambodia, nutritional status is poor. Provision of rice fortified with micronutrients through a school meal programme (SMP) could be a cost-effective strategy to help improve health and school performance. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of three different micronutrient-fortified rice formulations on cognitive function in Cambodian children. Setting Sixteen Cambodian schools receiving SMP. Design The FORISCA-UltraRice®+NutriRice® study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Four groups of four schools were randomly allocated to receive normal rice, UltraRice®Original, UltraRice®New or NutriRice®. Within each school, 132 children were randomly selected. Data on cognitive performance (picture completion, block design and Raven's coloured progressive matrices (RCPM)), anthropometry, parasite infestation and micronutrient status were collected before the intervention and after 6 months. Subjects Cognitive data were available for 1796 children aged 6-16 years. Results All cognitive scores improved after 6 months (P<0·001). Block design score improvement was significantly higher in children consuming UltraRice®Original (P=0·03) compared with the other fortified rice groups and placebo. No difference among groups was found on RCPM or picture completion scores. Stunting, parasite infestation and inflammation negatively affected the impact of the intervention. Conclusions Combined with other interventions, using SMP to distribute fortified rice to schoolchildren may be a cost-effective way to increase cognitive performance and thereby improve school performance and educational achievements.

KW - Cognition

KW - Micronutrients

KW - Schoolchildren

KW - School children

KW - Cambodia

U2 - 10.1017/s1368980017002774

DO - 10.1017/s1368980017002774

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 29143707

SN - 1368-9800

VL - 21

SP - 816

EP - 827

JO - Public Health Nutrition

JF - Public Health Nutrition

IS - 4

ER -