Did you know that you can actually save money if you avail of our health center’s FREE micronutrient powder for babies? The micronutrient powder (MNP) is a mixture of vitamins and minerals which is formulated in the powder form to contain more vitamins and minerals with less interaction with each other as compared to the common multivitamin syrup that one would usually buy, which only contains 4 - 5 vitamins. It is added to the complementary foods of babies starting at 6 months to boost its nutritional quality and to help support the increased nutrient needs of the baby especially for iron which is needed for optimal growth and development. The new MNP formulation also known as the VitaMix comes in 2 gram sachets which will already satisfy the baby’s daily micronutrient needs. Contrary to common belief about its aftertaste that deter mothers from using MNP, the new formulation is almost tasteless when used properly. Thus, here are some tips on how to properly use MNP to maximize its benefits and to reduce undesirable effects:
1. Use one sachet per day and give it every other day to maximize nutrient absorption. One sachet of MNP can already satisfy the baby’s daily micronutrient needs. Due to its high iron content, it is better to give it every other day to maximize its absorption. The health center will give 90 sachets which should be consumed within 6 months. Thus, a total of 180 sachets a year will be given to the child.
2. Only add MNP to semisolid or solid foods. Do not add to expressed breast milk, juice or water. While MNP is in powder form, it does not dissolve in water or any type of liquid but can be effectively mixed with semisolid foods such as Lugaw or mashed fruits. Adding MNP to liquids such as water or juice will only make it clump and stick to the sides of the cup which makes it harder to ingest and may not be completely consumed.
3. Add MNP when the food has cooled down or when it is ready to eat. MNP should only be mixed with the food when it has cooled down or when it is ready to eat because the heat can destroy some heat sensitive vitamins and may cause some vitamins and minerals to change and cause undesirable aftertaste.
4. Add MNP to the right amount of food that the baby can consume. If the baby normally eats 2 Tbsp of complementary food, then mix the MNP to only 2 Tbsp of food instead of one whole bowl of food to ensure that the baby is able to consume all the MNP he or she needs for the day.
5. When MNP is added to the food, consume immediately to prevent aftertaste. When the leftover food with MNP is allowed to sit for a few hours, the vitamins and minerals start to deteriorate or change their form which creates the undesirable aftertaste. Thus, choosing the right portion that the baby can completely consume at one sitting is important to prevent having leftover food.
Parents and caregivers can try eating food with MNP to test that the new formulation has bland or no aftertaste when used properly. When using MNP, there is no need for other additional vitamin supplements because it already provides all 15 vitamins and minerals that have been proven by the World Health Organization (WHO) to be safe and effective for babies. Adequate complementary feeding and continuous breastfeeding are still recommended for energy and protein needs because MNP only provides vitamins and minerals. The only expected side effect of using MNP is darker stools due to its iron content.
For more information and recipes on how to use MNP, visit the First 1000 Days PH or view this Episode on “Ang Wow na Lugaw” through this link: https://www.facebook.com/First1000DaysPH/videos/176819817266949
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References:
First 1000 Days PH (2021). Episode 10: Ang Wow na Lugaw! Mga ka-Barangay!. First 1000 Days PH. Facebook. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/First1000DaysPH/videos/176819817266949
