The National WIC Evaluation: evaluation of the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children. II. Review of past studies of WIC.

We reviewed past work relating WIC benefits to birth weight, perinatal and infant survival, anemia, child growth, and dietary intake. Despite many uncertainties, the probable range of reduction in the rate of low birth weight was approximately 1-2% and the increase in mean birth weight ranged from 0 to approximately 60 g. There was too little information to securely estimate effects of WIC on perinatal and infant mortality nor on the dietary intake of women or children. Although the number of studies was small, there probably were important effects of WIC on rates of childhood anemia. There is too little evidence to come to any conclusion on effects during pregnancy. There is little evidence that the WIC program has affected children's linear growth.