New Study Shows WIC Programs Gives Children the Nutrients the Need
                                                               
                                                               
                                           Release No.  0129.00
                                                               
             Media Contact: Mary Beth Schultheis (202) 720-4623
                                  mary_beth.schultheis@usda.gov
                     Public Contact: John Snyder (202) 694-5138
                                           jsnyder@ers.usda.gov

NEW STUDY SHOWS  WIC PROGRAM GIVES CHILDREN THE NUTRIENTS THEY NEED 

WASHINGTON, April 18, 2000 - Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman today
released a new study showing USDA's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) significantly boosts children's intakes of
iron, vitamin B-6, and folate.

"This research shows that WIC packs a powerful nutritional double punch
for children by providing both prenatal and postnatal nutrition benefits,"
said Glickman. 

Children participating in WIC increased their intake of iron by the
equivalent of almost 21 percent of the nutrient's recommended daily allowance
(RDA).  WIC increased participating children's vitamin B-6 intake by 23
percent, and folate intake by 91 percent of the RDA.  Increased intake of
these nutrients was not due to increased caloric intake.  WIC's effect on the
intakes of calcium, protein, zinc, and vitamins C and A was statistically
insignificant.

The findings regarding iron and vitamin B-6 are especially important
since a large percentage of children, regardless of WIC status, failed to meet
their RDA for these nutrients.  Low intake of iron may lead to anemia, while
low intake of vitamin B-6 is associated with neurologic abnormalities,
dermatitis, impaired immune function, and anemia.

 The new study contributes to an understanding of how WIC food
intervention during critical times of childhood growth and development can
help prevent future medical and developmental problems.  
                              
The study can be accessed on the web at
http://www.ers.usda.gov/epubs/pdf/fanrr5/.  To obtain a copy by mail, call: 1-
202-694-5139 (News Media); 1-800-999-6779 (Non-News Media).

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