Impact of fortified blended food aid products on nutritional status of infants and young children in developing countries.

Fortified blended foods were developed in the 1960s to improve the nutritional status of children suffering from malnutrition. The present review was conducted to examine the impact that fortified blended foods used in humanitarian relief programs have had on the health and nutritional status of infants and young children with moderate malnutrition, or at risk of undernutrition, in developing countries. Published articles were identified using electronic databases and general Web searches. Search terms included commodity types and names and terms related to food assistance and fortification programs. Positive effects on recovery from moderate acute malnutrition and weight gain were observed when fortified blended foods were distributed as dietary supplements. Prevention of severe micronutrient deficiencies in populations reliant on food aid has been reported, but measurements of micronutrient status have rarely been conducted. Evidence of the efficacy of fortified blended foods for improving nutritional outcomes is currently limited and weak.