Table 1.
Composition of LNS‐20gM and LNS‐P&L per 20 g portion*
| Nutrient | LNS‐20gM | LNS‐P&L | Nutributter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ration (g day−1) | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Total energy (kcal) | 118 | 118 | 108 |
| Protein (g) | 2.6 | 2.6 | 2.6 |
| Fat (g) | 9.6 | 10 | 7.1 |
| Linoleic acid (g) | 4.46 | 4.59 | 1.29 |
| α‐Linolenic acid (g) | 0.58 | 0.59 | 0.29 |
| Vitamin A (µg RE) | 400 | 800 | 400 |
| Vitamin C (mg) | 30 | 100 | 30 |
| Vitamin B1 (mg) | 0.3 | 2.8 | 0.3 |
| Vitamin B2 (mg) | 0.4 | 2.8 | 0.4 |
| Niacin (mg) | 4 | 36 | 4 |
| Folic acid (µg) | 80 | 400 | 80 |
| Pantothenic acid (mg) | 1.8 | 7 | 1.8 |
| Vitamin B6 (mg) | 0.3 | 3.8 | 0.3 |
| Vitamin B12 (µg) | 0.5 | 5.2 | 0.5 |
| Vitamin D (IU) | 200 | 400 | – |
| Vitamin E (mg) | 6 | 20 | – |
| Vitamin K (µg) | 30 | 45 | – |
| Iron (mg)* | 6 | 20 | 9 |
| Zinc (mg) | 8 | 30 | 4 |
| Cu (mg) | 0.34 | 4 | 0.2 |
| Calcium (mg) | 280 | 280 | 100 |
| Phosphorus (mg) | 190 | 190 | 82 |
| Potassium (mg) | 200 | 200 | 152 |
| Magnesium (mg) | 40 | 65 | 16 |
| Selenium (µg) | 20 | 130 | 10 |
| Iodine (µg) | 90 | 250 | 90 |
| Manganese (mg) | 1.2 | 2.6 | 0.08 |
| Phytate (mg) | 23.4 | 24.7 | 82 |
*Nutrient concentrations are those of the products as a whole, which include contributions from the ingredients as well as from the multiple micronutrient premix. LNS‐20gM provided approximately the Recommended Nutrient Intakes (RNI) for 19 vitamins and minerals for infants 7–12 months of age. Fe was kept at 55% of the RNI because of concerns about increasing the risk of malaria. Zn is >100% of RNI because of the possibility of low zinc absorption from the supplement as it is usually mixed with maize‐based complementary foods high in phytate. LNS‐P&L was based mainly on the United Nations International Multiple Micronutrient Preparation formulation developed by UNICEF/World Health Organization (WHO)/United Nations University and adapted for studies in Guinea Bissau, and provided approximately one recommended daily allowance (RDA) of four vitamins (A, D, folic acid, pantothenic acid) and one mineral (Mn), and two RDAs of seven vitamins (C, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, E) and three minerals (Zn, Cu, Se). Vitamin K and I in LNS‐P&L are based on current WHO recommendations, while Fe is kept at a level considered adequate for both pregnancy and lactation. Amounts of P, K and Mg in LNS‐P&L and LNS‐20gM, and of Ca in LNS‐P&L, are the maximum that could be included because of technical constraints.