OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the acceptance of a new food, a mini-roll enriched with microencapsulated iron sulfate, among preschool-aged children stratified by sex, age group, nutritional status, presence of iron-deficiency anemia, length of storage, and stage of trial (early, middle, late). METHODS: Double blind randomized clinical trial with 382 children aged 2 to 6 years enrolled in 4 not-for-profit daycare centers in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Children in two daycare centers received the mini-rolls fortified with microencapsulated iron in breakfast from Monday to Friday (exposed daycare centers). Children in the other 2 daycare centers received regular, yet identical, mini-rolls in the same manner. Observation lasted 120 days. Acceptance was noted daily on specific log-sheets. Data were compared using the chi-square and Student's t tests, analysis of variance and analysis of covariance. RESULTS: Mean weekly consumption of mini-rolls was lower in exposed daycare centers (1.17) than in unexposed centers (1.54). Variance was greater in unexposed daycare centers. Acceptance was lower among children in exposed daycare centers in all stratified variable categories, except among children younger than 36 months or aged between 36 and 47 months. CONCLUSION: Although the children's acceptance of the rolls fortified with iron was significantly lower than that of rolls without iron fortification, this type of food might be a viable alternative in the prevention of iron-deficiency anemia in children of daycare centers.
Food, fortified; Anemia, iron-deficiency; Child Day Care Centers; Child, preschool
