Efficacy of Micronutrient Fortified Supplementary Foods (Ready to Cook and Ready to Eat) and Take-Home Ration (THR) in children with Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) using Community Based Approach

Abstract

Aim: To compare the efficacy of formulated fortified supplementary foods: ready-to-cook (RTC) and ready-to-eat (RTE) with government take home ration (THR) in children with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM). Methods and Materials: This randomised controlled trial (RCT) was conducted in Anganwadis of Dharavi, Mumbai, India. The Anganwadis were clustered and assigned under treatment (children received RTC or RTE) and control groups (children who consumed THR). MAM children were divided into two groups, i.e. 6-24 and 25-60 months of age. Of 5,667 children screened, 324 were enrolled. Younger children received 250-300 kcal and 10-12 g proteins per day and the older children received 450-500 kcal and 12-15 g proteins per day. Intervention was carried out for 3 months with a follow up of 3 months. Weight, height and Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) were monitored. Results: In treatment group, weight gain was 0.75 g/kg/d whereas in control group it was 0.52 g/kg/d at the end of 3 months (p=0.01). With micronutrient fortified foods in combination with nutrition counselling, 39.2% children with MAM recovered. Conclusion: The weight gain was higher in the treatment group who consumed the micronutrient fortified foods compared to the control group children who consumed THR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Pediatric Oncall Journal is the property of Pediatric Oncall and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)