Zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) deficiencies are common in Guatemala, and maize is a staple food throughout the country. The primary aim of this study is to demonstrate if utilizing nixtamalized biofortified maize has the potential to increase dietary Zn and Fe intake and improve the amount of Zn and Fe absorbed when compared to diets incorporating traditional maize (control). This is a randomized, double blinded, comparison study of biofortified vs control maize prepared as tortillas from nixtamalized masa. This study will enroll up to 56 school aged children (10-14 yrs old) living in agricultural communities in the Western Highlands of Guatemala (28/group x 2 groups). Researchers will utilize Zn and Fe stable isotopes to measure total absorbed Zn and Fe. Participants will be active in the study for 27 days. During this time, they will have anthropometric measurements taken and collect 2 blood samples, 1 stool sample, and 9 urine samples.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
56
Maize that has been grown to have higher amounts of iron and zinc.
Traditional maize
Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama
Guatemala City, Departamento de Guatemala, Guatemala
RECRUITINGTotal absorbed iron (TAI) (mg)
Total absorbed iron from the diet = fractional absorption of iron x total dietary iron (mg)
Time frame: 2 days
Total absorbed zinc (TAZ) (mg)
Total zinc absorbed from the diet = fractional absorption of zinc x total dietary zinc (mg)
Time frame: 1 day
Plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) (mg/dL)
CRP is used to measure systemic inflammation
Time frame: 1 day
Plasma zinc concentration (mcg/dL)
Plasma zinc concentration is used to assess zinc status
Time frame: 1 day
Plasma Alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein (AGP) (mg/dL)
AGP is used to measure systemic inflammation
Time frame: 1 day
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