Programa de Intervención con un Suplemento Multivitamínico para Mejorar el Estado de Nutrición y Anemia en Niños en Condición de Vulnerabilidad Social de Ciudad Juárez Chihuahua

Objective. To evaluate the impact of a multivitamin supplement intervention program on nutritional status and anemia in socially vulnerable children in Ciudad Juárez. Methods. A quantitative study with an analytical longitudinal design was conducted. 955 children from a suburban area aged 4-9 (52.7% women) were included. The intervention consisted of a supplement with Vitamin E, D, and Omega 3. Anthropometric variables (weight, height, and BMI/age) were evaluated, and the prevalence of anemia was determined before and after the intervention. Results. Significant changes in the anthropometric indicators and important reductions in the prevalence of malnutrition and anemia were obtained. Among the anthropometric improvements, the average weight increased from 23.7 to 25.1 kg, height from 118.2 to 119.8 cm and the BMI/age percentile from 58.0 to 63.3 (P<0.05). The prevalence of malnutrition according to the weight-for-height indicator decreased from 18.7% to 16.9% in men (P<0.05). On the other hand, the prevalence of anemia decreased from 23.7% to 16.0% in women (P<0.05) and from 33.2% to 16.0% in men (P<0.05). Conclusions. The intervention program based on a multivitamin supplement had a positive impact on the nutritional status of children and on anemia, highlighting the potential of interventions based on multivitamin supplements to improve child nutrition in economically vulnerable communities. However, it is recommended to strengthen the sustainability of the programs and include complementary strategies to maximize their long-term benefits.