DOH introduces new micronutrient supplement for kids in Ilocos Norte

By Carlo P. Canares

Thursday 26th of July 2012

LAOAG CITY, July 26 (PIA) -- The Department of Health has introduced a new product on micronutrient supplementation for children in Ilocos Norte.

Junelyn Abellon of the Provincial Health Office said the product is the micronutrient powder, which contains more iron plus other micronutrients or vitamins.

“This additional supplement is part of the Garantisadong Pambata program of the DOH,” Abellon said.

Under the GP program, vitamin A supplements are given to children six to 59 months old and lactating mothers; iron drops and tablets are given to children and pregnant and lactating mothers; and deworming for children 12-71 months old every six months.

The GP program is conducted twice a year – round 1 in April and round 2 in October.

Abellon said they added the micronutrient powder in the program for underweight kids aged six to 23 months old. Before, iron deficient kids were given iron syrup or drops.

“Now, this powder will speedily address the problem of iron deficiency among children,” she said.

Iron is vital to the health of the human body, primarily linked with protein to form the oxygen-carrying molecule hemoglobin.

The powder comes in a small sachet and every recipient-child is given 60 sachets which is good for two months. Like all other supplements under the GP program, they will receive this twice a year.

Abellon explained that the micronutrient powder is to be taken once a day. She cautioned, however, that it can only be added to any semi-solid or solid food, like rice, but not hot nor anything liquid.

The provincial health office has distributed the new micronutrient powder to all 21 towns and two cities of the province.

“The DOH is planning to expand the program to children up to 71 months old if there will be more supplies next time,” Abellon said. (ANL/CPC-PIA 1, Ilocos Norte)

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DOH introduces new micronutrient supplementation for kids in Ilocos Norte
By: Carlo P. Canares

LAOAG CITY, July 25 -- The Department of Health has introduced a new product on micronutrient supplementation for children in Ilocos Norte.

Junelyn Abellon of the Provincial Health Office said the product is the Micronutrient Powder which contains more iron plus other micronutrients or vitamins.

“This additional supplement is part of the Garantisadong Pambata program of the DOH,” Abellon said.

Under the GP program, Vitamin A supplements are given to children 6-59 months old and lactating mothers; Iron drops and tablets are given to children and pregnant and lactating mothers; and deworming for children 12-71 months old every 6 months.

The GP program is conducted twice a year – round 1 in April and round 2 in October.

We have added this new Micronutrient Power in the program for underweight 6-23 months old kids. Iron deficient kids before were given iron Syrup or drops. But this time this essential mineral is now mixed in the Micronutrient Powder, Abellon said.

“This will speedily address the problem of iron deficiency among children,” she said.
Iron is vital to the health of the human body, primarily linked with protein to form the oxygen-carrying molecule hemoglobin.

The powder comes in a small sachet and every recipient-child is given 60 sachets which is good for 2 months. Like all other supplements under the GP program, they will receive this twice a year.

Abellon explained that the Micronutrient Powder is to be taken once a day. She cautioned, however, that it can only be added to any semi-solid or solid food, like rice, but not hot nor anything liquid.

The provincial health office has distributed the new micronutrient powder to all 21 towns and 2 cities of the province.

“The DOH is planning to expand the program to children up to 71 months old if there will be more supplies next time,” Abellon said. (ANL/CPC-PIA 1 Ilocos Norte)