Acceptability of three supplements with identical micronutrient content in Mexican children

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the acceptability of three nutritional supplements consumed by children 6–24 m of age in a randomized trial. A fortified food (FF, distributed by the Oportunidades program), syrup (SY) or Sprinkles (SK) were randomly assigned at the community level. Mothers of participating children were interviewed twice, after 6 and 12 m. Interviewers were transcribed, coded and analyzed using discourse analysis. Themes explored related to perceived benefits and risks of consumption, barriers to use and overall acceptability. All three supplements were perceived to have health benefits for the children. The FF was perceived as food, while SY and SK as vitamins of a more medicinal nature. Some mothers reported that SK modified the taste of foods, limiting the range of foods with which it can be served, with a preference for more liquid foods. SY presented difficulties due to objection from the children. All 3 supplements had high acceptance, mainly because of perceived health benefits. A number of barriers for use of each were identified, and related more to practical use than to any perceived potential risk. The perceived medicinal nature of SY and SK may limit sharing; a mayor difficulty documented previously with the FF. The results of this analysis clearly highlight the importance of a strong education campaign for ANY type of supplement distributed in the context of public health programs.