Objective: To determine if the change in iron status from an iron biofortified efficacy trial results in a change in energy efficiency for Indian girls. Methods: 56 Indian girls (12‐15 years) were randomly assigned to receive iron biofortified pearl millet or traditional pearl millet for 6 months. Blood and energy efficiency measurements were taken before and after the intervention. Energy efficiency was calculated by recording O2 and CO2 consumption during sub‐maximal exercise tests on a Monark 874E ergometer. General linear models were used to evaluate the effect of the iron biofortification intervention on energy efficiency of the girls. Results: Consuming iron biofortified pearl millet resulted in an increase in hemoglobin after 3 months (p=0.05). Energy efficiency decreased in both treatment and control groups, but was significantly higher in the treatment group (p=0.02). Conclusion: Consuming biofortified pearl millet improved hemoglobin status in Indian girls and prevented a decline in energy efficiency over 6 months. Grant Funding Source : Supported by HarvestPlus
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Beer et al. (2014) studied this question.