Effect of supplementary feeding on recovery from mild to moderate wasting in preschool children

Article Abstract:

Moderate to severe body wasting (inadequate weight for height) due to malnutrition is common among children in many underdeveloped countries. A study performed in Guatemala in 1980 reported that 25 percent of the children between the ages of six months and five years were moderately to severely wasted (they weighed less than 90 percent of their ideal weight for their height). Supplementary feeding programs have been used for treating children who are malnourished, and have reported varying degrees of success. Some studies have reported rates of recovery from protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) as high as 40 to 80 percent, while others have reported small effects of supplemental feeding on growth. This article describes the results of a study designed to determine the effectiveness of supplemental feeding in treating children who suffer from moderate to severe wasting. The study included approximately 400 children between the ages of six months and two years from four different Guatemalan villages. The children in two of the villages received a high-energy, high-protein drink called Atole, and the children in the other two villages received a low-energy, nonprotein supplement called Fresco. The two supplements contained similar amounts of minerals and vitamins. After three months of taking the supplements, the rate of recovery from wasting was 12 percent higher for the children receiving the Atole drink than for those treated with the Fresco drink. It is concluded that food supplementation was beneficial for treating these malnourished children. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Guatemala, Diet therapy

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Age-specific responsiveness of weight and length to nutritional supplementation

Article Abstract:

Children at risk for malnutrition and growth failure may derive significant benefits from programs that provide nutritional supplements. It has been suggested that within the first year of life, certain periods of greatest nutritional risk may afford the best opportunity for obtaining a favorable response to supplementation. A study was performed to assess the response of 120 infants to supplements appropriate for their age. The children were studied over three-month intervals from birth to three years, and were compared with a control group of 112 unsupplemented children. The best response to supplementation was observed from age three to six months, when the supplemented group gained 162 grams (six ounces) more than the unsupplemented group. In terms of responsiveness relative to growth rate, the best time for additional nutrition was between 9 and 12 months. These two time periods corresponded to the times of greatest risk for infant malnutrition; 3 to 6 months is considered the weaning period and 9 to 12 months is the age at which diarrheal disease is most prevalent. The results suggest that to effectively prevent malnutrition, supplementary infant nutrition programs should target these ages. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Prevention, Infants, Growth, Human growth, Human development

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Nutritional supplementation: effects on child stunting because of diarrhea

Article Abstract:

Infants and children in developing countries suffer from frequent, serious bouts of diarrhea. During diarrhea the children lose nutrients from their digestive tracts and also eat less because their appetites are poor. They become malnourished which in turn causes slowed growth. Giving children nutritious supplements to offset the negative effect that diarrhea has on growth was studied. A total of 456 Colombian families participated. Some families received free food supplements that provided extra calories and protein when added to their usual diet; other families did not receive supplements. At age three, children were compared for growth and history of diarrhea. Those who received supplements grew better than those who did not. The negative effect of diarrhea on growth was completely offset by the nutrition supplements. Without supplements, diarrhea had a significant adverse effect on growth. It is concluded that well-nourished children grow well even if they have diarrhea, but malnourished children experience stunted growth because of diarrheal illness. The critical age-group for prevention of growth retardation is from birth to 2 years. During this period, severe recurrent diarrhea can occur, but with supplemental nutrition stunting can be avoided.

Complications and side effects, Colombia, Diarrhea, Growth disorders

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