Multiple Micronutrient Powder (MNP)

General Description

A multiple micronutrient powder (MNP) supplement containing 15 essential vitamins and minerals in the base of a carrier. Each sachet weighs 1 gram, supplied in boxes or pouches of 30 sachets. MNPs are designed for point of use fortification of complementary foods for children and vulnerable populations to prevent anaemia and vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

Indications:

Micronutrient supplementation/food fortification in emergencies;
Micronutrient supplementation/food fortification in complementary foods for breast-fed infants;
Micronutrient supplementation/food fortification for young children where dietary micronutrient intakes are insufficient.

Target Group: children aged 6 – 59 months.
Primary target group: children aged 6 -24 months.

Applicable standards reference:
1.WHO guideline: use of multiple micronutrient powders for point-of-use fortification of foods consumed by infants and young children aged 6–23 months and children aged 2–12 years1.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
General Description:

A multiple micronutrient powder (MNP) supplement containing 15 essential vitamins and minerals in the base of a carrier. Each sachet weighs 1 gram.

Composition
Vitamin A 400 µg (as vitamin A acetate or palmitate)
Vitamin C 30 mg (as sodium or calcium ascorbate)
Vitamin D 5 µg (200IU) (as Cholecalciferol)
Vitamin E 5 mg TE (as d or dl-alpha tocopheryl acetate)
Vitamin B1 0.5 mg (as Thiamine mononitrate)
Vitamin B2 0.5. mg (as Riboflavin or riboflavin -5-phosphate)
Vitamin B3 6 mg (as Nicotinamide)
Vitamin B6 0.5. mg (as Pyridoxine hydrochloride)
Vitamin B12 0.9 µg (as Cyanocobalamin on a carrier )
Folic acid 90 µg (as Folic acid)
Iron 10 mg (as Ferrous fumerate, NaFe EDTA*or Ferrous bisglycinate)
Zinc 4.1. mg (as Zinc sulphate, or gluconate)
Copper 0.56 mg (as Copper gluconate or sulphate)
Selenium 17 µg (as Sodium selenate or selenite or selenomethionine)
Iodine 90 µg (as Potassium iodide, or potassium iodate)
Maltodextrin q.s.
*Max 2.5mg of elemental iron from NaFeEDTA, the remaining 7.5mg of iron added from another approved form.

Physical and organoleptic characteristics
Fine, granular, segregation free, off white or slightly yellow, odorless powder with very fine speckles; having a bland taste which has minimal impact on the taste, smell or color of the food when mixed with the food.
The formulation shall be a stable, dry preparation that can be uniformly blended with the food the child is eating.

Standard shelf life:
24 months (minimum) and preferably 36 months.

Applicable standard reference:
1. WHO guidelines for Stability testing: Stability testing of active pharmaceutical ingredients and finished pharmaceutical products. World Health Organization WHO Technical Report Series, No. 953, 2009.
http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/d/Js5517e/12.html.

Storage conditions
Do not store above 30°C.
Store in original packaging, in a cool dry place; protect from moisture.
Keep out of reach and sight of children.

Dispensing and instructions for use
Do not use if the sachet or package is torn or damaged.
Mix the sachet contents with a small portion of solid or semi-solid food just before serving.

Dosage
Children aged 6 – 59 months one sachet daily.

Adverse Effects
Supplemental iron and zinc has been reported to cause mild gastrointestinal upset in sensitive individuals, particularly if consumed on an empty stomach.

Cautionary Programme Note
Breastfeeding should be encouraged to be continued if MNPs are part of a complimentary diet for the infant. Breastfeeding is recommended for 24 months and exclusively for 6 months. This is not a replacement for any additional nutritional interventions, which shall continue alongside use of this product.
In malaria-endemic areas, the provision of iron MNPs should be implemented in conjunction with measures to prevent, diagnose and treat malaria.
http://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/micronutrients/guidel ines/guideline_mnp_infants_children/en/

Shelf life:
24 months minimum.

Storage instructions:
Store in a cool dry place less than 30 degrees Celsius.

Shipping instructions:
Transport in a cool dry place less than 30 degrees Celsius.

Temperature conditions:
As above.