Can selenium deficiency in Malawi be alleviated through consumption of agro-biofortified maize flour? Study protocol for a randomised, double-blind, controlled trial

Abstract

Background
Micronutrient deficiencies including selenium (Se) are widespread in Malawi and potentially underlie a substantial disease burden, particularly among poorer and marginalised populations. Concentrations of Se in staple cereal crops can be increased through application of Se fertilisers – a process known as agronomic (agro-) biofortification – and this may contribute to alleviating deficiencies. The Addressing Hidden Hunger with Agronomy (AHHA) trial aims to establish the efficacy of this approach for improving Se status in rural Malawi.
Methods
A double-blind, randomised, controlled trial will be conducted in a rural community in Kasungu District, Central Region, Malawi. The hypothesis is that consumption of maize flour agro-biofortified with Se will increase serum Se concentration. We will recruit 180 women of reproductive age (WRA; 20–45 years) and 180 school-aged children (SAC; 5–10 years) randomised in a 1:1 ratio to receive either maize flour enriched through agro-biofortification with Se or a control flour not enriched with Se. Households will receive flour (330 g capita -1 day -1 ) for 12 weeks. The primary outcome is Se concentration in serum (µg L -1 ). Serum will be extracted from venous blood samples drawn at baseline (prior to flour distribution) and end-line. Selenium concentration will be measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS).
Discussion
Findings will be communicated to policy stakeholders and participating communities and reported in peer-reviewed journals. Trial registration The Addressing Hidden Hunger with Agronomy (Malawi) trial is registered (March 2019; ISCRTN85899451).