The evolving applications of spreads as a FOODlet for improving the diets of infants and young children.

Action is needed to reduce the burden of micronutrient malnutrition in developing countries, and because low-income populations are vulnerable to deficiencies of multiple micronutrients, we need to move beyond approaches that comprise only single nutrients. The normal and evolutionary manner in which to consume nutrients is in the context of foods, both snacks and meals. Spreads are high-viscosity-fat products prepared by mixing dried powdered ingredients with a vegetable fat chosen for its viscosity. Spreads are not traditionally used for feeding infants or young children and were initially proposed as a way to treat children recovering from severe malnutrition. In preparation for the International Research Group on Infant Supplementation (IRIS) III intervention, a sequel to the IRIS I study (which was the focus of a workshop in Lima, Peru, from May 30-June 1, 2001), the feasibility of preparing a FOODlet for feeding infants and young children was explored. Within the spectrum of intervention tools for micronutrient supplementation, tablets are a pharmaceutical form, fortified spreads are a food, and sprinkles are an intermediate approach. The issues still to be discussed and resolved with regard to creating such a spread include its specific micronutrient formulation, the capacity of young children to consume the required amounts (from either the FOODlet alone or the FOODlet mixed with other foods), the iron content and overall antioxidant protection of the spread matrix and its vitamins, potential allergenicity of proteins, and the economic implications of using such a FOODlet in low-income societies.