This study, titled "Oral Nutritional Supplementation Improves Growth in Children at Malnutrition Risk and with Picky Eating Behaviors" is a study that examines the effects of oral nutritional supplementation (ONS) along with dietary counseling (DC) on growth in young children at risk of malnutrition, specifically those described as picky eaters by their parents.
Summary of Key Findings
Study Background: The study addresses the persistent problem of malnutrition in children, especially those with picky eating behaviors. These children often have limited food variety and may be unwilling to try new foods, which can contribute to impaired growth.
Participants: The study included 321 children aged 24 to 48 months who were mildly undernourished (weight-for-height percentiles between the 3rd and 15th) and were described as picky eaters.
Intervention Groups: The children were divided into three groups:
ONS1 + DC (milk-based supplement).
ONS2 + DC (lactose-free supplement).
DC only (no supplement).
Results
The groups receiving ONS (both ONS1 and ONS2) showed significant improvements in growth indicators such as weight-for-height percentile, body mass index (BMI), and mid-upper-arm circumference compared to the group receiving dietary counseling only.
There was no significant difference between the two ONS groups.
The study found that ONS helped promote catch-up growth more effectively than dietary counseling alone.
Height gains were observed but were not statistically significant within the 90-day study period.
Adverse Events: There were no significant safety concerns, with adverse events such as respiratory and gastrointestinal issues reported in similar numbers across all groups.
Conclusion: The study concludes that ONS, when combined with dietary counseling, can be an effective intervention for promoting catch-up growth in children at risk of malnutrition and with picky eating behaviors.
Reference
Khanna, D.; Yalawar, M.; Saibaba, P.V.; Bhatnagar, S.; Ghosh, A.; Jog, P.; Khadilkar, A.V.; Kishore, B.; Paruchuri, A.K.; Pote, P.D.; et al. Oral Nutritional Supplementation Improves Growth in Children at Malnutrition Risk and with Picky Eating Behaviors. Nutrients 2021, 13, 3590. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13103590
