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Soofi SB, Khan GN, Sajid M, Hussainyar MA, Shams S, Shaikh M, Ouma C, Azami S, Naeemi M, Hussain A, Umer M, Hussain I, Ahmed I, Ariff S. Specialized nutritious foods and behavior change communication interventions during the first 1000 d of life to prevent stunting: a quasi-experimental study in Afghanistan. Am J Clin Nutr 2024:S0002-9165(24)00603-8. [PMID: 39004283 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Considerable evidence supports the effectiveness of nutritional supplementation with or without nutrition education in preventing stunting in developing countries, but evidence from Afghanistan is scarce. OBJECTIVES This project aimed to assess the effectiveness of specialized nutritious food (SNF), social and behavior change communication (SBCC) intervention to prevent stunting among children under 2 y during the first 1000 d of life in Badakhshan, Afghanistan. METHODS We used a community-based quasi-experimental pre-post study design with a control group. Pregnant and lactating women received a monthly ration of 7.5 kg of super cereal (250 g/d) during pregnancy and the first 6 mo of breastfeeding. Children aged 6-23 mo received 30 sachets of medium-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplement (50 g/sachet/d) monthly. We compared pre- and postintervention assessments of the intervention and control groups to isolate the effect of the intervention on key study outcomes at the endline by difference-in-differences (DID) estimates. RESULTS A total of 2928 and 3205 households were surveyed at baseline and endline. DID estimates adjusted for child, maternal, and household characteristics indicated a significant reduction in stunting (DID: -5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: -9.9, -0.2) and underweight (DID: -4.6% (95% CI: -8.6, -0.5) among children <2 y of age. However, DID estimates for wasting among children in the intervention and control groups were not significantly different (DID: -1.7 (95% CI: -5.1, 1.6). Furthermore, exposure to the SBCC messages was associated with improvements in the early initiation of breastfeeding (DID: 19.6% (95% CI: 15.6, 23.6), exclusive breastfeeding under 6 mo (DID: 11.0% (95% CI: 2.3, 19.7), minimum meal frequency (DID: 23% (95% CI: 17.7, 28.2), and minimum acceptable diet (DID: 13% (95% CI: 9.8, 16.3). CONCLUSIONS The provision of SNF in combination with SBCC during the first 1000 d of life was associated with reduction in stunting and underweight and improvements in infant and young child feeding practices among children under 2 y of age. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04581993.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajid Bashir Soofi
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan; Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - Gul Nawaz Khan
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Sajid
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Amjad Hussain
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Umer
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Imtiaz Hussain
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Imran Ahmed
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Shabina Ariff
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
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Dewey KG, Arnold CD, Wessells KR, Stewart CP. Lipid-based nutrient supplements for prevention of child undernutrition: when less may be more. Am J Clin Nutr 2023; 118:1133-1144. [PMID: 37742931 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both small-quantity and medium-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) have been used for the prevention of child undernutrition. A meta-analysis of 14 trials of small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) - no LNS showed effects on length-for-age z-score {LAZ, +0.14 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.11, 0.16]} and weight-for-length z-score [WLZ, +0.08 (0.06, 0.10)] z-scores, as well as prevalence ratios (95% CI) for stunting [LAZ < -2, 0.88 (0.85, 0.91)] and wasting [WLZ < -2, 0.86 (0.80, 0.93)]. However, little is known about the effects of medium-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (MQ-LNS) on growth. OBJECTIVES We aimed to examine the effects of preventive MQ-LNS (∼250-499 kcal/d) provided at ∼6-23 mo of age on growth outcomes - no LNS or provision of SQ-LNS. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of studies of MQ-LNS for prevention, and categorized them as providing <6 mo - ≥6 mo of supplementation; for the latter category, we conducted a meta-analysis, with the main outcomes being change in WLZ and LAZ, and prevalence of wasting and stunting. RESULTS Three studies provided MQ-LNS for 3-5 mo (seasonal) for children 6-36 mo of age, and did not show consistent effects on growth outcomes. Eight studies provided MQ-LNS for 6-18 mo, generally starting at 6 mo of age; in the meta-analysis (max total n = 13,954), MQ-LNS increased WLZ [+0.09 (95% CI: 0.05, 0.13)] and reduced wasting [0.89 (0.81, 0.97)], but had no effect on LAZ [+0.04 (-0.02, 0.11)] or stunting [0.97 (0.92, 1.02)] - no LNS. Two studies directly compared SQ-LNS and MQ-LNS and showed no significant differences in growth outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The current evidence suggests that MQ-LNS offer no added benefits over SQ-LNS, although further studies directly comparing MQ-LNS with SQ-LNS would be useful. One possible explanation is incomplete consumption of the MQ-LNS ration and thus lower than desirable intake of certain nutrients. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Registry and registry number for systematic reviews or meta-analyses: Registered with PROSPERO as CRD42022382448 on December 18, 2022: =https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022382448.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn G Dewey
- Institute for Global Nutrition and Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.
| | - Charles D Arnold
- Institute for Global Nutrition and Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - K Ryan Wessells
- Institute for Global Nutrition and Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Christine P Stewart
- Institute for Global Nutrition and Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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Sady H, Chaima D, Hallamaa L, Kortekangas E, Ashorn U, Banda J, Mangani C, Maleta K, Ashorn P, Fan YM. Effect of dietary intervention on the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria among 6-18-month-old children in rural Malawi. Malar J 2023; 22:266. [PMID: 37697296 PMCID: PMC10496296 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04701-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The complex interaction between malaria and undernutrition leads to increased mortality and morbidity rate among young children in malaria-endemic regions. Results from previous interventions suggest that improving nutritional status of young children may reduce the burden of malaria. This study tested a hypothesis that provision of lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) or corn-soy blend (CSB) supplementation to 6-18-month-old children in Malawi would reduce the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria among them. METHODS A total of 840 6-month-old children were enrolled in a randomized trial. The participants received 12-month supplementation with three different daily dietary supplementations: CSB, soy-LNS, or milk-LNS, and one control group without supplementation. The prevalence rate of asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum was determined by real-time PCR from the participant's dried blood spots (DBS) collected at the baseline and every 3 months. The global null hypothesis was tested using modified Poisson regression to estimate the prevalence ratio (PR) between the control group and three intervention groups at all ages combined. All the models were adjusted for malaria at baseline, season of DBS sample collection, site of enrolment, and household asset Z-score. RESULTS All children combined, the prevalence of P. falciparum was 14.1% at enrollment, 8.7% at 9 months, 11.2% at 12 months, 13.0% at 15 months and 22.4% at 18 months of age. Among all samples that were taken after enrolment, the prevalence was 12.1% in control group, 12.2% in milk-LNS, 14.0% in soy-LNS, and 17.2% in CSB group. Compared to children in the control group the prevalence ratio of positive malaria tests was 1.19 (95% CI 0.81-1.74; P = 0.372) in the milk-LNS group, 1.32 (95% CI 0.88-1.96; P = 0.177) in the soy-LNS group and 1.72 (95% CI 1.19-2.49; P = 0.004) in the CSB group. CONCLUSION The study findings do not support a hypothesis that LNS or CSB supplementation would reduce the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria among Malawian children. In contrast, there was a signal of a possible increase in malaria prevalence among children supplemented with CSB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany Sady
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön Katu 34, 33014, Tampere, Finland.
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hodeidah University, Hodeidah, Yemen.
| | - David Chaima
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Lotta Hallamaa
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön Katu 34, 33014, Tampere, Finland
| | - Emma Kortekangas
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön Katu 34, 33014, Tampere, Finland
| | - Ulla Ashorn
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön Katu 34, 33014, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jomo Banda
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | | | - Per Ashorn
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön Katu 34, 33014, Tampere, Finland
- Department of Paediatrics, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Yue-Mei Fan
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön Katu 34, 33014, Tampere, Finland
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Montenegro CR, Gomez G, Hincapie O, Dvoretskiy S, DeWitt T, Gracia D, Misas JD. The pediatric global burden of stunting: Focus on Latin America. LIFESTYLE MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/lim2.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Ickes SB, Craig C, Heidkamp R. Design Factors for Food Supplementation and Nutrition Education Interventions That Limit Conclusions about Effectiveness for Wasting Prevention: A Scoping Review of Peer-Reviewed Literature. Adv Nutr 2021; 13:328-341. [PMID: 34666351 PMCID: PMC8803494 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmab107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We conducted a scoping review to characterize the evidence base for the effectiveness of food supplementation (FS), nutrition education (NE), or FS/NE interventions to prevent wasting among children aged 6 to 59 mo. We aimed to identify gaps in peer-reviewed literature and to develop recommendations for strengthening study designs. We identified 56 unique studies (FS = 21, NE = 19, FS/NE = 16) for which we assessed intervention design factors, implementation context, evaluation methods, and wasting impact. Compared with studies focused on stunting, fewer wasting-focused studies reported weight-for-height z score (WHZ). Midupper arm circumference (MUAC) was more commonly reported in wasting-focused studies (71.4%) than those focused on stunting (36.8%) or wasting and stunting (30.4%). FS studies measured anthropometry (mean, 95% CI) more frequently at every 11.3 (7.8, 14.8) wk than NE interventions at 36.3 (8.8, 62.1) wk (P = 0.036), but not FS/NE interventions at 25.8 (5.6, 49.1) wk (P = 0.138). NE interventions tended to be of longer duration than FS or FS/NE interventions. Only 6 studies followed and measured children after the intervention period ended. Across all studies, 45% reported a significant effect on wasting; these included FS, NE, and FS/NE interventions. The lack of comparability across studies limits conclusions about the effectiveness of specific types of interventions. To build a more unified evidence base for wasting prevention we recommend that future studies 1) report on a consistent set of metrics, including MUAC; 2) attempt to measure change in wasting incidence using more frequent measures; 3) measure wasting prevalence among the general population; 4) follow children postintervention to assess relapse; 5) measure food insecurity and diet quality; and 6) use harmonized protocols across multiple settings. Such efforts to improve study comparability will strengthen the evidence base, may help unite divergent professional communities, and ultimately accelerate progress toward eliminating child undernutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rebecca Heidkamp
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Dewey KG, Stewart CP, Wessells KR, Prado EL, Arnold CD. Small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements for the prevention of child malnutrition and promotion of healthy development: overview of individual participant data meta-analysis and programmatic implications. Am J Clin Nutr 2021; 114:3S-14S. [PMID: 34590696 PMCID: PMC8560310 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqab279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNSs) were designed to provide multiple micronutrients within a food base that also provides energy, protein, and essential fatty acids, targeted towards preventing malnutrition in vulnerable populations. Previous meta-analyses demonstrated beneficial effects of SQ-LNSs on child growth, anemia, and mortality. To further examine the efficacy and effectiveness of SQ-LNSs, and explore study-level and individual-level effect modifiers, we conducted an individual participant data meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials of SQ-LNSs provided to children 6-24 mo of age (n > 37,000). We examined growth, development, anemia, and micronutrient status outcomes. Children who received SQ-LNSs had a 12-14% lower prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight; were 16-19% less likely to score in the lowest decile for language, social-emotional, and motor development; had a 16% lower prevalence of anemia; and had a 64% lower prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia compared with control group children. For most outcomes, beneficial effects of SQ-LNSs were evident regardless of study-level characteristics, including region, stunting burden, malaria prevalence, sanitation, water quality, duration of supplementation, frequency of contact, or average reported compliance with SQ-LNSs. For development, the benefits of SQ-LNSs were greater in populations with higher stunting burden, in households with lower socioeconomic status, and among acutely malnourished children. For hemoglobin and iron status, benefits were greater in populations with higher anemia prevalence and among acutely malnourished children, respectively. Thus, targeting based on potential to benefit may be worthwhile for those outcomes. Overall, co-packaging SQ-LNSs with interventions that reduce constraints on response, such as the prevention and control of prenatal and child infections, improving health care access, and promotion of early child development, may lead to greater impact. Policymakers and program planners should consider including SQ-LNSs in strategies to reduce child mortality, stunting, wasting, anemia, iron deficiency, and delayed development. This study was registered at www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO as CRD42019146592, CRD42020159971, and CRD42020156663.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christine P Stewart
- Institute for Global Nutrition and Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - K Ryan Wessells
- Institute for Global Nutrition and Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth L Prado
- Institute for Global Nutrition and Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Charles D Arnold
- Institute for Global Nutrition and Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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Transparent reporting of recruitment and informed consent approaches in clinical trials recruiting children with minor parents in sub-Saharan Africa: a secondary analysis based on a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1473. [PMID: 34320934 PMCID: PMC8318049 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11079-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Standardised checklists of items to be addressed in clinical study protocols and publications are promoting transparency in research. However, particular specifications for exceptional cases, such as children with minor parents are missing. This study aimed to examine the level of transparency regarding recruitment and informed consent approaches in publications of clinical trials recruiting children with minor parents in sub-Saharan Africa. We thereby focused particularly on the transparency about consenting persons (i.e. proxy decision-makers) and assessed the need to expand reporting guidelines for such exceptional cases. Methods We conducted a secondary analysis of clinical trial publications previously identified through a systematic review. Multiple scientific databases were searched up to March 2019. Clinical trial publications addressing consent and potentially recruiting children with minor parents in sub-Saharan Africa were included. 44 of the in total 4382 screened articles met our inclusion criteria. A descriptive analysis was performed. Results None of the included articles provided full evidence on whether any recruited children had minor parents and how consent was obtained for them. Four proxy decision-maker types were identified (parents; parents or guardians; guardians; or caregivers), with further descriptions provided rarely and mostly in referenced clinical trial registrations or protocols. Also, terminology describing proxy decision-makers was often used inconsistently. Conclusions Reporting the minimum maternal age alongside maternal data provided in baseline demographics can increase transparency on the recruitment of children with minor mothers. The CONSORT checklist should require clinical trial publications to state or reference exceptional informed consent procedures applied for special population groups. A standardized definition of proxy decision-maker types in international clinical trial guidelines would facilitate correct and transparent informed consent for children and children with minor parents. Study registration CRD42018074220. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-11079-y.
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Rikhotso IP, Faber M, Rothman M, Matsungo TM, Lombard C, Smuts CM. Nutritional status and psychomotor development in 12–18-month-old children in a post-intervention study. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/16070658.2021.1951950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Idah P Rikhotso
- Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Mieke Faber
- Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Marinel Rothman
- Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Tonderayi M Matsungo
- Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Carl Lombard
- Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
- Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Cornelius M Smuts
- Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Imam A, Hassan-Hanga F, Sallahdeen A, Farouk ZL. A cross-sectional study of prevalence and risk factors for stunting among under-fives attending acute malnutrition treatment programmes in north-western Nigeria: Should these programmes be adapted to also manage stunting? Int Health 2021; 13:262-271. [PMID: 32780808 PMCID: PMC8079315 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihaa043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Stunting and severe wasting can co-occur in under-fives, predisposing them to increased risks for morbidity and mortality. The Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) programme, which provides outpatient malnutrition care for severely wasted children, has been successful at managing severe wasting, but there are limited data on stunting among entrants into these programmes. Methods We performed secondary analysis of data collected from attendees of two CMAM centres in north-western Nigeria. Using WHO reference standards, we determined the prevalence of concurrent stunting (height/length-for-age <-2 SD) among severely wasted children (weight-for-height z-scores <-3 SD). We identified individual and household-level risk factors for concurrent stunting using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results Our cohort comprised 472 severely wasted children and the majority (82.8%) were stunted. Age groups of 12–23 mo (adjusted OR [AOR]=2.38, 95% CI 1.26 to 4.48) and 24–35 mo (AOR=7.81, 95% CI 1.99 to 30.67), male gender (AOR=2.51, 95% CI 1.43 to 4.39) and attending the rural malnutrition clinic (AOR=3.08, 95% CI 1.64 to 5.79) were associated with a significantly increased probability of stunting. Conclusions Stunting prevalence is high among severely wasted children attending CMAM programmes in north-western Nigeria. Policymakers need to adapt these treatment programmes to also cater for stunting, taking into account practical programmatic realities such as available expertise and scarce resource allocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulazeez Imam
- Department of Vaccines and Immunity, Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Atlantic Boulevard, P.O. Box 452, Fajara, Gambia
| | - Fatimah Hassan-Hanga
- Department of Paediatrics, Bayero University Kano, Department of Paediatrics, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, P.M.B 3452, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Azeezat Sallahdeen
- Department of Vaccines and Immunity, Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Atlantic Boulevard, P.O. Box 452, Fajara, Gambia
| | - Zubaida L Farouk
- Department of Paediatrics, Bayero University Kano, Department of Paediatrics, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, P.M.B 3452, Kano, Nigeria
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Elolu S, Ongeng D. Community-based nutrition-sensitive approach to address short-term hunger and undernutrition among primary school children in rural areas in a developing country setting: lessons from North and North-Eastern Uganda. BMC Nutr 2020; 6:73. [PMID: 33308310 PMCID: PMC7735413 DOI: 10.1186/s40795-020-00399-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Undernutrition in childhood is an important factor that greatly impedes the achievement of full human potential at adulthood. Despite increased enrolment of pupils in primary schools in developing countries, short-term hunger and undernutrition continue to impact negatively on school attendance, retention and education outcomes in economically disadvantaged rural areas. This study examined the feasibility of a community-based participatory action research approach building capacity of rural women food vendors to use local food resources to produce nutritionally enhanced food products for primary school feeding in rural localities in a developing country setting. METHODS Mixed methods approach incorporating focus group discussions (FGDs) to evaluate parents' and school administrators' perceptions of the community-based approach, participatory experimental improvement of nutritional quality of an energy-based cassava product (gari) involving community women food vendors, and cross-sectional acceptability assessment of improved products among rural primary school children. Qualitative content analysis, one-way analysis of variance and correlation analysis was used to analyse FGD data, compare nutritional profile and consumer sensory profile of different products, and examine associations between sensory attributes and acceptability of the products, respectively. RESULTS The approach of using local food resources to produce nutritious products targeting school feeding was strongly recognised by parents, school administrators, teachers and small scale rural women food vendors as an adoptable nutrition-sensitive means of addressing short-term hunger among primary school children in rural settings. The action research resulted in a highly accepted nutritionally enhanced product (consisting of cassava, soy and silver fish) exhibiting superior nutritional properties (23.29% protein, 90.5 g/100 g calcium, 4.5 g/100 g zinc, 11.6 g/100 g iron, 40.40 g/100 g phosphorus, 61.57 μg/100 g vitamin A) compared to the original energy-dominated cassava product (2.18% Protein, 55.6 g/100 g calcium, 1.2 g/100 g zinc, 4.4 g/100 g iron, 6.6 g/100 g phosphorus, 11.23 μg/100 g vitamin A) (p < 0.05). Nutritional computation revealed that serving 120 g of the new product would suffice to meet 30% of the recommended dietary allowance for essential nutrients that children should receive from school meals. CONCLUSION Community-level nutrition-sensitive innovation using local foods resources offers the opportunity for rural women food vendors to contribute to addressing short-term hunger and undernutrition challenges in primary schools in economically-disadvantaged localities in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Elolu
- Department of Food Science and Postharvest Technology, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Gulu University, P.O Box 166, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Duncan Ongeng
- Department of Food Science and Postharvest Technology, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Gulu University, P.O Box 166, Gulu, Uganda.
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Adu‐Afarwuah S. Impact of nutrient supplementation on maternal nutrition and child growth and development in Sub-Saharan Africa: the case of small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2020; 16 Suppl 3:e12960. [PMID: 33347727 PMCID: PMC7752123 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.12960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Micronutrient deficiencies remain common among women and children in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA); in pregnant/lactating women, the intakes of essential fatty acids may also be low. Enriching home-prepared foods with small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNSs) is a promising new strategy of delivering additional micronutrients, essential fatty acids and good quality protein to women and children. This narrative review aimed to examine the impact of SQ-LNSs supplementation among women and infants and young children in SSA, and to discuss the differential impact of SQ-LNS consumption across different settings. Papers reporting randomized trials conducted in SSA in which apparently healthy women and/or ≥6-mo-old children received SQ-LNSs were identified through electronic and manual searches. Prenatal SQ-LNS consumption reduced the prevalence of low gestational weight gain in Ghana when compared with multiple micronutrients supplementation, and was associated with poorer iron/hemoglobin status when compared with iron-plus-folic acid supplementation. SQ-LNSs received alone or as intervention package improved infant/child growth in two trials in Ghana and one trial each in Burkina Faso, Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa, but had no impact on growth in two trials in Malawi. SQ-LNSs supplementation improved motor development in Ghana, Burkina Faso, Malawi, Kenya, and South Africa, but had no impact on language, socio-emotional, and executive functions in Ghana and Malawi and on Griffiths' developmental scores in Malawi. SQ-LNSs may contribute to improving child growth in SSA. More research is needed to determine the iron level in SQ-LNSs effective for improving both maternal hemoglobin/iron status and birth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth Adu‐Afarwuah
- Department of Nutrition and Food ScienceUniversity of GhanaAccraGhana
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Khan GN, Kureishy S, Ariff S, Rizvi A, Sajid M, Garzon C, Khan AA, de Pee S, Soofi SB, Bhutta ZA. Effect of lipid-based nutrient supplement-Medium quantity on reduction of stunting in children 6-23 months of age in Sindh, Pakistan: A cluster randomized controlled trial. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237210. [PMID: 32790725 PMCID: PMC7425934 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic childhood malnutrition, or stunting, remains a persistent barrier to achieve optimal cognitive development, child growth and ability to reach full potential. Almost half of children under-five years of age are stunted in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. Objective The primary objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that the provision of lipid-based nutrient supplement—medium-quantity (LNS-MQ) known as Wawamum will result in a 10% reduction in risk of being stunted at the age of 24 months in the intervention group compared with the control group. Design A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted in Thatta and Sujawal districts of Sindh province, Pakistan. A total of 870 (419 in intervention; 451 in control) children between 6–18 months old were enrolled in the study. The unit of randomization was union council and considered as a cluster. A total of 12 clusters, 6 in each study group were randomly assigned to intervention and control group. All children received standard government health services, while children in the intervention group also received 50 grams/day of Wawamum. Results Children who received Wawamum were found to have a significantly reduced risk of stunting (RR = 0.91, 95% CI; 0.88–0.94, p<0.001) and wasting (RR = 0.78, 95% CI; 0.67–0.92, p = 0.004) as compared to children who received the standard government health services. There was no evidence of a reduction in the risk of underweight (RR = 0.94, 95% CI; 0.85–1.04, p = 0.235) in the intervention group compared to the control group. Statistically significant reduction in anaemia in the intervention group was also found as compared to the control group (RR = 0.97, 95% CI; 0.94–0.99, p = 0.042). The subgroup analysis by age, showed intervention effect is significant in reduction of risk of stunting in younger children of aged 6–12 month (RR = 0.83, 95% CI; 0.81–0.86, p = <0.001) and their older peers aged 13–18 month- (RR = 0.90, 95% CI; 0.83–0.97, p = 0.008). The mean compliance of Wawamum was 60% among children. Conclusions The study confirmed that the provision of Wawamum to children 6–23 months of age is effective in reducing the risk of stunting, wasting and anaemia. This approach should be scaled up among the most food insecure areas/households with a high prevalence of stunting to achieve positive outcomes for nutrition and health. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02422953. Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT02422953
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Affiliation(s)
- Gul Nawaz Khan
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Shabina Ariff
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Arjumand Rizvi
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Sajid
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | | | - Saskia de Pee
- World Food Programme, Rome, Italy
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Sajid Bashir Soofi
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
- * E-mail:
| | - Zulfiqar A. Bhutta
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
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González Acero C, Martinez S, Pérez-Expósito A, Winters S. Effect of an innovative behavioural change strategy and small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements on stunting and obesity in children in Baja Verapaz, Guatemala: protocol for a randomised control trial. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e035528. [PMID: 32690508 PMCID: PMC7371136 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In Latin America, a rapid increase in obesity alongside persistent malnutrition has resulted in a double burden of disease that affects the most vulnerable segments of the population. Infant and young child feeding practices are important factors that affect both sides of the growth curve. Interventions such as behavioural change strategies and home fortification using products like small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) have the potential to reduce the presence of both these conditions, especially if they are implemented during the first 1000 days of life. This paper details the protocol for Sustained Programme for Improving Nutrition (SPOON), an innovative strategy to prevent stunting and reduce risk for obesity in children under 24 months old in high-poverty areas in Baja Verapaz, Guatemala. METHODS AND ANALYSIS SPOON Guatemala is a three-arm randomised control trial: treatment group 1 will receive the SPOON behavioural change strategy and SQ-LNS, treatment group 2 will receive the SPOON behavioural change strategy and micronutrient powders; the control group will receive the standard of care provided by the Ministry of Health, which includes micronutrient powders. A modified formula of SQ-LNS has been especially developed for this trial. A total of 76 communities are included in the study and 1628 households with a pregnant woman in the third trimester or a child under 4.5 months were recruited at baseline. Baseline data were collected between September and November 2018. Follow-up data will be collected 2 years after the start of the intervention. The primary outcomes of interest are related to mothers' infant feeding knowledge and practice, and indicators of children's nutritional status and growth including height, weight, weight gain rate and prevalence of stunting, overweight, obesity and anaemia. After follow-up data have been collected, differences of simple means and regression models including covariates such as child's age and sex, characteristics of the primary caregiver and household socioeconomic indicators will be estimated. Heterogeneous effects will also be estimated within subgroups of age at exposure, sex, caregiver characteristics and household socioeconomic status. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study was approved by the National Health Ethics Committee of the Ministry of Health of Guatemala (resolution 10-2018). Informed consent was obtained from all mothers and caregivers prior to enrolment in the programme. Results will be submitted to a peer-reviewed medical or public health journal, and disseminated internally at the Inter-American Development Bank, with the Government and Stakeholders in Guatemala and through international conferences and seminars. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03399617.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina González Acero
- Social Protection and Health Division, Inter- American Development Bank, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Sebastian Martinez
- Office of Strategic Planning and Development Effectiveness, Inter- American Development Bank, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Ana Pérez-Expósito
- Social Protection and Health Division, Inter- American Development Bank, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Solis Winters
- Office of Strategic Planning and Development Effectiveness, Inter- American Development Bank, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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Micronutrient and Inflammation Status Following One Year of Complementary Food Supplementation in 18-Month-Old Rural Bangladeshi Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12051452. [PMID: 32443412 PMCID: PMC7284655 DOI: 10.3390/nu12051452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Four fortified complementary food supplements (CFSs) in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) were found to improve childhood linear growth in rural Bangladesh. We hypothesized children receiving these supplements would have improved micronutrient status. Methods: In the RCT, we assessed hemoglobin and serum ferritin, retinol, zinc, C-reactive protein (CRP), and α-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) at endline (18 mo) in a subsample of children (n = 752). The impact of supplementation on mean concentrations and the prevalence of nutrient deficiency and inflammation were evaluated using adjusted generalized estimating equation (GEE) linear and log-binomial regression models. Results: In the control arm at age 18 months, 13% of children were anemic (hemoglobin < 110 g/L), and 6% were iron (inflammation-adjusted ferritin < 12 μg/L), 8% vitamin A (inflammation-adjusted retinol < 0.70 μmol/L), and 5% zinc (zinc < 9.9 μmol/L) deficient. The prevalence of inflammation by CRP (>5 mg/L) and AGP (>1 g/L) was 23% and 66%, respectively, in the control group. AGP trended lower in CFS groups (p = 0.04), while CRP did not. Mean ferritin (p < 0.001) and retinol (p = 0.007) were higher in all supplemented groups relative to control, whereas hemoglobin improved with two of the four CFSs (p = 0.001), and zinc was equal or lower in supplemented groups relative to control (p = 0.017). Conclusions: CFSs improved iron status and vitamin A concentrations and lowered inflammation in a context of low underlying nutrient deficiency but high inflammation.
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15
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Kairiza T, Kembo G, Pallegedara A, Macheka L. The impact of food fortification on stunting in Zimbabwe: does gender of the household head matter? Nutr J 2020; 19:22. [PMID: 32204711 PMCID: PMC7092424 DOI: 10.1186/s12937-020-00541-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background High prevalence of stunting in children under 5 years poses a major threat to child development in developing countries. It is associated with micronutrient deficiency arising from poor diets fed to children under 5 years. Food fortification is amongst the interventions focused at reducing the incidence of stunting in children under 5 years. Methods Using a large-scale household data from Zimbabwe, we investigated the gender-based importance of household adoption of food fortification on the proportion of stunted children in the household. We employed propensity score matching to mitigate self-selection bias associated with household adoption of food fortification. Results We offer three major findings. Firstly, we find statistically weak evidence that female headed households are more likely to adopt food fortification than their male counterparts. Secondly, food fortification reduces the proportion of stunted children in the household. Finally, in comparison to non-adopters, female headed households that adopt food fortification are more able to reduce the proportion of stunted children in their households than their male counterparts. Conclusion The results highlight the need for policy makers to actively promote food fortification, as such interventions are likely to contribute to the reduction of stunting and to involve men in fortification interventions to improve on their knowledge and appreciation of fortified foods and the associated benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terrence Kairiza
- Department of Economics, Bindura University of Science Education, P. Bag 1020, Bindura, Zimbabwe
| | - George Kembo
- Food and Nutrition Council of Zimbabwe, 1574 Alpes Road, Hatcliffe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Asankha Pallegedara
- Department of Industrial Management, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka and Chair of Development Economics, Passau University, Passau, Germany.
| | - Lesley Macheka
- Centre for Innovation and Technology Transfer, Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, P. Bag 35, Marondera, Zimbabwe
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16
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Tam E, Keats EC, Rind F, Das JK, Bhutta ZA. Micronutrient Supplementation and Fortification Interventions on Health and Development Outcomes among Children Under-Five in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients 2020; 12:E289. [PMID: 31973225 PMCID: PMC7071447 DOI: 10.3390/nu12020289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Micronutrient deficiencies continue to be widespread among children under-five in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), despite the fact that several effective strategies now exist to prevent them. This kind of malnutrition can have several immediate and long-term consequences, including stunted growth, a higher risk of acquiring infections, and poor development outcomes, all of which may lead to a child not achieving his or her full potential. This review systematically synthesizes the available evidence on the strategies used to prevent micronutrient malnutrition among children under-five in LMICs, including single and multiple micronutrient (MMN) supplementation, lipid-based nutrient supplementation (LNS), targeted and large-scale fortification, and point-of-use-fortification with micronutrient powders (MNPs). We searched relevant databases and grey literature, retrieving 35,924 papers. After application of eligibility criteria, we included 197 unique studies. Of note, we examined the efficacy and effectiveness of interventions. We found that certain outcomes, such as anemia, responded to several intervention types. The risk of anemia was reduced with iron alone, iron-folic acid, MMN supplementation, MNPs, targeted fortification, and large-scale fortification. Stunting and underweight, however, were improved only among children who were provided with LNS, though MMN supplementation also slightly increased length-for-age z-scores. Vitamin A supplementation likely reduced all-cause mortality, while zinc supplementation decreased the incidence of diarrhea. Importantly, many effects of LNS and MNPs held when pooling data from effectiveness studies. Taken together, this evidence further supports the importance of these strategies for reducing the burden of micronutrient malnutrition in children. Population and context should be considered when selecting one or more appropriate interventions for programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Tam
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; (E.T.); (E.C.K.)
| | - Emily C. Keats
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; (E.T.); (E.C.K.)
| | - Fahad Rind
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child’s Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi 74800, Pakistan;
| | - Jai K. Das
- Division of Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi 74800, Pakistan;
| | - Zulfiqar A. Bhutta
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; (E.T.); (E.C.K.)
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child’s Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi 74800, Pakistan;
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Stewart CP, Wessells KR, Arnold CD, Huybregts L, Ashorn P, Becquey E, Humphrey JH, Dewey KG. Lipid-based nutrient supplements and all-cause mortality in children 6-24 months of age: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am J Clin Nutr 2020; 111:207-218. [PMID: 31697329 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqz262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Undernutrition is associated with an elevated risk of mortality among children in low- and middle-income countries. Small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) have been evaluated as a method to prevent undernutrition and improve infant development, but the effects on mortality are unknown. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to evaluate the effect of LNS on all-cause mortality among children 6-24 mo old. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of LNS designed to prevent undernutrition, with or without other interventions. Literature was searched in May 2019 and trials were included if they enrolled children between 6 and 24 mo old and the period of supplementation lasted ≥6 mo. We extracted data from participant flow diagrams and contacted study investigators to request data. We conducted a meta-analysis to produce summary RR estimates. RESULTS We identified 18 trials conducted in 11 countries that enrolled 41,280 children and reported 586 deaths. The risk of mortality was lower in the LNS arms than in the non-LNS comparison arms (RR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.59, 0.89; 13 trials). Estimates were similar when trials with maternal LNS intervention arms were added or when alternative formulations of LNS were excluded. The results appeared stronger in trials in which LNS were compared with passive control arms. Excluding these contrasts and only comparing multicomponent arms with LNS groups and comparison groups that contained all the same components without LNS attenuated the effect estimate (RR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.61, 1.10). CONCLUSIONS LNS provided for the prevention of undernutrition may reduce the risk of mortality, but more trials with appropriate comparison groups allowing isolation of the effect of LNS alone are needed.This study was registered at www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO as CRD42019128718.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine P Stewart
- Institute for Global Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - K Ryan Wessells
- Institute for Global Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Charles D Arnold
- Institute for Global Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Lieven Huybregts
- International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Per Ashorn
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Elodie Becquey
- International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jean H Humphrey
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kathryn G Dewey
- Institute for Global Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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18
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Das JK, Salam RA, Mahmood SB, Moin A, Kumar R, Mukhtar K, Lassi ZS, Bhutta ZA. Food fortification with multiple micronutrients: impact on health outcomes in general population. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 12:CD011400. [PMID: 31849042 PMCID: PMC6917586 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011400.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitamins and minerals are essential for growth and maintenance of a healthy body, and have a role in the functioning of almost every organ. Multiple interventions have been designed to improve micronutrient deficiency, and food fortification is one of them. OBJECTIVES To assess the impact of food fortification with multiple micronutrients on health outcomes in the general population, including men, women and children. SEARCH METHODS We searched electronic databases up to 29 August 2018, including the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial (CENTRAL), the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care (EPOC) Group Specialised Register and Cochrane Public Health Specialised Register; MEDLINE; Embase, and 20 other databases, including clinical trial registries. There were no date or language restrictions. We checked reference lists of included studies and relevant systematic reviews for additional papers to be considered for inclusion. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cluster-RCTs, quasi-randomised trials, controlled before-after (CBA) studies and interrupted time series (ITS) studies that assessed the impact of food fortification with multiple micronutrients (MMNs). Primary outcomes included anaemia, micronutrient deficiencies, anthropometric measures, morbidity, all-cause mortality and cause-specific mortality. Secondary outcomes included potential adverse outcomes, serum concentration of specific micronutrients, serum haemoglobin levels and neurodevelopmental and cognitive outcomes. We included food fortification studies from both high-income and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently screened, extracted and quality-appraised the data from eligible studies. We carried out statistical analysis using Review Manager 5 software. We used random-effects meta-analysis for combining data, as the characteristics of study participants and interventions differed significantly. We set out the main findings of the review in 'Summary of findings' tables, using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We identified 127 studies as relevant through title/abstract screening, and included 43 studies (48 papers) with 19,585 participants (17,878 children) in the review. All the included studies except three compared MMN fortification with placebo/no intervention. Two studies compared MMN fortification versus iodised salt and one study compared MMN fortification versus calcium fortification alone. Thirty-six studies targeted children; 20 studies were conducted in LMICs. Food vehicles used included staple foods, such as rice and flour; dairy products, including milk and yogurt; non-dairy beverages; biscuits; spreads; and salt. Fourteen of the studies were fully commercially funded, 13 had partial-commercial funding, 14 had non-commercial funding and two studies did not specify the source of funding. We rated all the evidence as of low to very low quality due to study limitations, imprecision, high heterogeneity and small sample size. When compared with placebo/no intervention, MMN fortification may reduce anaemia by 32% (risk ratio (RR) 0.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.56 to 0.84; 11 studies, 3746 participants; low-quality evidence), iron deficiency anaemia by 72% (RR 0.28, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.39; 6 studies, 2189 participants; low-quality evidence), iron deficiency by 56% (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.60; 11 studies, 3289 participants; low-quality evidence); vitamin A deficiency by 58% (RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.62; 6 studies, 1482 participants; low-quality evidence), vitamin B2 deficiency by 64% (RR 0.36, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.68; 1 study, 296 participants; low-quality evidence), vitamin B6 deficiency by 91% (RR 0.09, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.38; 2 studies, 301 participants; low-quality evidence), vitamin B12 deficiency by 58% (RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.71; 3 studies, 728 participants; low-quality evidence), weight-for-age z-scores (WAZ) (mean difference (MD) 0.1, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.17; 8 studies, 2889 participants; low-quality evidence) and weight-for-height/length z-score (WHZ/WLZ) (MD 0.1, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.18; 6 studies, 1758 participants; low-quality evidence). We are uncertain about the effect of MMN fortification on zinc deficiency (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.08; 5 studies, 1490 participants; low-quality evidence) and height/length-for-age z-score (HAZ/LAZ) (MD 0.09, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.18; 8 studies, 2889 participants; low-quality evidence). Most of the studies in this comparison were conducted in children. Subgroup analyses of funding sources (commercial versus non-commercial) and duration of intervention did not demonstrate any difference in effects, although this was a relatively small number of studies and the possible association between commercial funding and increased effect estimates has been demonstrated in the wider health literature. We could not conduct subgroup analysis by food vehicle and funding; since there were too few studies in each subgroup to draw any meaningful conclusions. When we compared MMNs versus iodised salt, we are uncertain about the effect of MMN fortification on anaemia (R 0.86, 95% CI 0.37 to 2.01; 1 study, 88 participants; very low-quality evidence), iron deficiency anaemia (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.09 to 1.83; 2 studies, 245 participants; very low-quality evidence), iron deficiency (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.17; 1 study, 88 participants; very low-quality evidence) and vitamin A deficiency (RR 0.19, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.55; 2 studies, 363 participants; very low-quality evidence). Both of the studies were conducted in children. Only one study conducted in children compared MMN fortification versus calcium fortification. None of the primary outcomes were reported in the study. None of the included studies reported on morbidity, adverse events, all-cause or cause-specific mortality. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The evidence from this review suggests that MMN fortification when compared to placebo/no intervention may reduce anaemia, iron deficiency anaemia and micronutrient deficiencies (iron, vitamin A, vitamin B2 and vitamin B6). We are uncertain of the effect of MMN fortification on anthropometric measures (HAZ/LAZ, WAZ and WHZ/WLZ). There are no data to suggest possible adverse effects of MMN fortification, and we could not draw reliable conclusions from various subgroup analyses due to a limited number of studies in each subgroup. We remain cautious about the level of commercial funding in this field, and the possibility that this may be associated with higher effect estimates, although subgroup analysis in this review did not demonstrate any impact of commercial funding. These findings are subject to study limitations, imprecision, high heterogeneity and small sample sizes, and we rated most of the evidence low to very low quality. and hence no concrete conclusions could be drawn from the findings of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jai K Das
- Aga Khan University HospitalDivision of Women and Child HealthStadium RoadPO Box 3500KarachiSindPakistan
| | - Rehana A Salam
- Aga Khan University HospitalDivision of Women and Child HealthStadium RoadPO Box 3500KarachiSindPakistan
- Healthy Mothers, Babies and Children, South Australian Health and Medical Research InstituteAdelaideAustralia
| | - Salman Bin Mahmood
- Aga Khan University HospitalDepartment of PaediatricsKarachiSindhPakistan
| | - Anoosh Moin
- Aga Khan University HospitalDivision of Women and Child HealthStadium RoadPO Box 3500KarachiSindPakistan
| | - Rohail Kumar
- Aga Khan University HospitalDivision of Women and Child HealthStadium RoadPO Box 3500KarachiSindPakistan
| | - Kashif Mukhtar
- Aga Khan University HospitalDivision of Women and Child HealthStadium RoadPO Box 3500KarachiSindPakistan
| | - Zohra S Lassi
- Aga Khan University HospitalDivision of Women and Child HealthStadium RoadPO Box 3500KarachiSindPakistan
- University of AdelaideRobinson Research InstituteAdelaideAustraliaAustralia
| | - Zulfiqar A Bhutta
- The Hospital for Sick ChildrenCentre for Global Child HealthTorontoCanada
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19
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Prado EL, Larson LM, Cox K, Bettencourt K, Kubes JN, Shankar AH. Do effects of early life interventions on linear growth correspond to effects on neurobehavioural development? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Glob Health 2019; 7:e1398-e1413. [PMID: 31537370 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(19)30361-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Faltering in linear growth and neurobehavioural development during early childhood are often assumed to have common causes because of their consistent association. This notion has contributed to a global focus on the promotion of nutrition during pregnancy and childhood to improve both conditions. Our aim was to assess whether effects of interventions on linear growth are associated with effects on developmental scores and to quantify these associations. METHODS In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we included randomised trials done during pregnancy and in children aged 0-5 years that reported effects of any intervention on length-for-age or height-for-age Z scores (LAZ or HAZ) and on any of the following outcomes: motor, cognitive or mental, language, and social-emotional or behavioural development. We searched MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), and PsycINFO (EBSCO) from database inception to June 25, 2019. Study-level data were extracted and, when required, authors were contacted for missing information. We calculated weighted meta-regression coefficients of the association between standardised effect sizes of interventions on LAZ or HAZ and developmental outcome scores and calculated pooled effect sizes for different types of intervention. FINDINGS Of the 7207 studies identified, we included 75 studies with 122 comparisons between intervention and control groups and outcomes reported for 72 275 children. Across all interventions, effect sizes on LAZ or HAZ were significantly associated with effect sizes on social-emotional scores (β 0·23, 95% CI 0·05 to 0·41; p=0·02), but not on cognitive (0·18, -0·36 to 0·72; p=0·51), language (0·12, -0·07 to 0·31; p=0·21), or motor development scores (0·23, -0·05 to 0·50; p=0·11). In studies that provided nutritional supplements, we observed positive significant pooled effect sizes on all five outcomes of LAZ or HAZ (effect size 0·05, 95% CI 0·01-0·09; p=0·01; n=50), cognitive or mental (0·06, 0·03-0·10; p<0·01; n=38), language (0·08, 0·03-0·13; p=0·01; n=21), motor (0·08, 0·04-0·12; p<0·01; n=41), and social-emotional (0·07, 0·02-0·12; p=0·01; n=20) scores. The effect sizes of nutritional supplementation on LAZ or HAZ scores were significantly associated with effect sizes on cognitive (β 0·40, 95% CI 0·04-0·77; p=0·049) and motor (0·43, 0·11-0·75; p=0·01) scores. In the 14 interventions promoting responsive care and learning opportunities, the pooled effect size on LAZ or HAZ score was not significant (-0·01, 95% CI -0·07 to 0·05; p=0·74), but pooled effect sizes on cognitive, language, and motor scores were 4 to 5 times larger (range 0·38-0·48) than the pooled effect sizes of nutritional supplementation (0·05-0·08). INTERPRETATION In nutritional supplementation interventions, improvements in linear growth were associated with small improvements in child development, whereas nurturing and stimulation interventions had significant effects on child development but no effects on linear growth. The determinants of linear growth and neurodevelopment are only partly shared. To nurture thriving individuals and communities, interventions should specifically target determinants of neurodevelopment and not simply linear growth. FUNDING University of California Davis, US Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth L Prado
- Department of Nutrition, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
| | - Leila M Larson
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Katherine Cox
- Department of Nutrition, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Kory Bettencourt
- Department of Nutrition, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Julianne N Kubes
- Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anuraj H Shankar
- Eijkman-Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, Jakarta, Indonesia; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Siziba LP, Baumgartner J, Rothman M, Matsungo TM, Faber M, Smuts CM. Efficacy of novel small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements in improving long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid status of South African infants: a randomised controlled trial. Eur J Clin Nutr 2019; 74:193-202. [PMID: 31371795 DOI: 10.1038/s41430-019-0482-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) containing essential fatty acids (EFAs) with or without long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) in improving LCPUFA status in South African infants fed complementary food. SUBJECTS/METHODS Six-month-old infants (n = 750) were randomised to receive SQ-LNS, SQ-LNS-plus, or no supplement. Both SQ-LNSs contained micronutrients and EFAs. SQ-LNS-plus additionally contained the LCPUFAs arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), lysine, phytase and other nutrients. Plasma total phospholipid FA composition (% of total FAs) was measured at baseline (n = 353) and at 12 months (n = 293). RESULTS At baseline, geometric mean (95% CI) plasma DHA and AA were 4.1 (4.0-4.3) and 11.5 (11.2-11.8)% respectively, with significantly higher plasma DHA and AA in breastfed than non-breastfed infants. Infants receiving the SQ-LNS-plus had significantly higher plasma DHA (4.52 (4.3-4.9)) at 12 months than the controls (3.8 (3.6-4.0)), with a higher effect size in infants who no longer received breast milk (β = 1.148 (95% CI = 0.597, 1.699)) than in infants who were still breastfeeding (β = 0.544 (95% CI = 0.179, 0.909)). There was no effect of either of the two SQ-LNSs on plasma AA. Consequently, infants receiving the SQ-LNS-plus had a significantly lower plasma n-6 to n-3 PUFA ratio at 12 months than control infants did. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that the provision of SQ-LNS-plus is efficacious in improving plasma DHA status. Particularly, infants who are no longer breastfed may benefit most from LCPUFA-enriched SQ-LNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda P Siziba
- Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, 2520, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Jeannine Baumgartner
- Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, 2520, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Marinel Rothman
- Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, 2520, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Tonderayi M Matsungo
- Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, 2520, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Mieke Faber
- Non-Communicable Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Cornelius M Smuts
- Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, 2520, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
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Siziba LP, Baumgartner J, Ricci C, Jacobs A, Rothman M, Matsungo TM, Covic N, Faber M, Smuts CM. Associations of plasma total phospholipid fatty acid patterns with feeding practices, growth, and psychomotor development in 6-month-old South African infants. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2019; 15:e12763. [PMID: 30489019 PMCID: PMC7199032 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.12763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 10/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess plasma fatty acid (FA) patterns of 6-month-old South African infants and to determine their association with feeding practices, growth, and psychomotor development. Plasma total phospholipid FA composition (% of total FAs) of 6-month-old infants (n = 353) from a peri-urban township was analysed, and principal component and factor analysis were performed to identify plasma FA patterns. Feeding practices, anthropometric measurements, and psychomotor development scores were determined. Four major plasma phospholipid FA patterns were identified: A plant-based C18 FA, a high n-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA), a C16:1 and long-chain saturated fatty acid (SFA), and a high n-3 and low n-6 LCPUFA pattern. Formula feeding was associated with higher, whereas breastfeeding was associated with lower scores for the plant-based C18 FA and C16:1 and long-chain SFA patterns. On the other hand, breastfeeding, the consumption of cow's milk, and the consumption of semisolid foods were associated with higher scores, whereas formula feeding was associated with lower scores for the high n-6 LCPUFA pattern. Breastfeeding and the consumption of semisolids were also associated with higher high n-3 and low n-6 LCPUFA pattern scores. The C16:1 and long-chain SFA and high n-3 and low n-6 LCPUFA patterns were positively associated with psychomotor development scores. In 6-month-old South African infants, we identified distinct plasma FA patterns that presumably represent the FA quality of their diet and that are associated with psychomotor development. Our results suggest that breast milk is an important source of n-6 LCPUFAs and formula-fed infants may be at risk of inadequate LCPUFA intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda P. Siziba
- Centre of Excellence for NutritionNorth‐West UniversityPotchefstroomSouth Africa
| | - Jeannine Baumgartner
- Centre of Excellence for NutritionNorth‐West UniversityPotchefstroomSouth Africa
| | - Cristian Ricci
- Centre of Excellence for NutritionNorth‐West UniversityPotchefstroomSouth Africa
| | - Adriaan Jacobs
- Centre of Excellence for NutritionNorth‐West UniversityPotchefstroomSouth Africa
| | - Marinel Rothman
- Centre of Excellence for NutritionNorth‐West UniversityPotchefstroomSouth Africa
| | | | - Namukolo Covic
- Poverty, Health and Nutrition DivisionInternational Food Policy Research InstituteWashingtonDCUSA
| | - Mieke Faber
- Centre of Excellence for NutritionNorth‐West UniversityPotchefstroomSouth Africa
- Non‐Communicable Disease Research UnitSouth African Medical Research CouncilCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Cornelius M. Smuts
- Centre of Excellence for NutritionNorth‐West UniversityPotchefstroomSouth Africa
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A macro- and micronutrient-fortified complementary food supplement reduced acute infection, improved haemoglobin and showed a dose-response effect in improving linear growth: a 12-month cluster randomised trial. J Nutr Sci 2019; 8:e22. [PMID: 31275576 PMCID: PMC6598226 DOI: 10.1017/jns.2019.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Inadequate protein quality may be a risk factor for poor growth. To examine the effect of a macronutrient-micronutrient supplement KOKO Plus (KP), provided to infants from 6 to 18 months of age, on linear growth, a single-blind cluster-randomised study was implemented in Ghana. A total of thirty-eight communities were randomly allocated to receive KP (fourteen communities, n 322), a micronutrient powder (MN, thirteen communities, n 329) and nutrition education (NE, eleven communities, n 319). A comparison group was followed cross-sectionally (n 303). Supplement delivery and morbidity were measured weekly and anthropometry monthly. NE education was provided monthly. Baseline, midline and endline measurements at 6, 12 and 18 months included venous blood draws, diet, anthropometry, morbidity, food security and socio-economics. Length-for-age Z-score (LAZ) was the primary outcome. Analyses were intent-to-treat using mixed-effects regressions adjusted for clustering, sex, age and baseline. No differences existed in mean LAZ scores at endline (-1·219 (sd 0·06) KP, -1·211 (sd 0·03) MN, -1·266 (sd 0·03) NE). Acute infection prevalence was lower in the KP than NE group (P = 0·043). Mean serum Hb was higher in KP infants free from acute infection (114·02 (sd 1·87) g/l) than MN (107·8 (sd 2·5) g/l; P = 0·047) and NE (108·8 (sd 0·99) g/l; P = 0·051). Compliance was 84·9 % (KP) and 87·2 % (MN) but delivery 60 %. Adjusting for delivery and compliance, LAZ score at endline was significantly higher in the KP v. MN group (+0·2 LAZ; P = 0·026). A macro- and micronutrient-fortified supplement KP reduced acute infection, improved Hb and demonstrated a dose-response effect on LAZ adjusting consumption for delivery.
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Key Words
- AGP, α-1-acid-glycoprotein
- B, baseline
- CRP, C-reactive protein
- Complementary feeding
- E, endline
- GHS, Ghana Health Service
- Hb
- IGF-1, insulin-like growth factor-1
- KOKO Plus
- KP, KOKO Plus
- LAZ, length-for-age Z-score
- Linear growth
- M, midline
- MN, micronutrient powder
- MUAC, mid upper arm circumference
- NE, nutrition education
- RNI, recommended nutrient intakes
- WAZ, weight-for-age Z-score
- WHZ, weight-for-height Z-score
- WLZ, weight-for-length Z-score
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Schoonees A, Lombard MJ, Musekiwa A, Nel E, Volmink J. Ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) for home-based nutritional rehabilitation of severe acute malnutrition in children from six months to five years of age. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 5:CD009000. [PMID: 31090070 PMCID: PMC6537457 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd009000.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Management of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in children comprises two potential phases: stabilisation and rehabilitation. During the initial stabilisation phase, children receive treatment for dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, intercurrent infections and other complications. In the rehabilitation phase (applicable to children presenting with uncomplicated SAM or those with complicated SAM after complications have been resolved), catch-up growth is the main focus and the recommended energy and protein requirements are much higher. In-hospital rehabilitation of children with SAM is not always desirable or practical - especially in rural settings - and home-based care can offer a better solution. Ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) is a widely used option for home-based rehabilitation, but the findings of our previous review were inconclusive. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of home-based RUTF used during the rehabilitation phase of SAM in children aged between six months and five years on recovery, relapse, mortality and rate of weight gain. SEARCH METHODS We searched the following databases in October 2018: CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, six other databases and three trials registers. We ran separate searches for cost-effectiveness studies, contacted researchers and healthcare professionals in the field, and checked bibliographies of included studies and relevant reviews. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs, where children aged between six months and five years with SAM were, during the rehabilitation phase, treated at home with RUTF compared to an alternative dietary approach, or with different regimens and formulations of RUTF compared to each other. We assessed recovery, deterioration or relapse and mortality as primary outcomes; and rate of weight gain, time to recovery, anthropometrical changes, cognitive development and function, adverse outcomes and acceptability as secondary outcomes. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We screened for eligible studies, extracted data and assessed risk of bias of those included, independently and in duplicate. Where data allowed, we performed a random-effects meta-analysis using Review Manager 5, and investigated substantial heterogeneity through subgroup and sensitivity analyses. For the main outcomes, we evaluated the quality of the evidence using GRADE, and presented results in a 'Summary of findings' table per comparison. MAIN RESULTS We included 15 eligible studies (n = 7976; effective sample size = 6630), four of which were cluster trials. Eight studies were conducted in Malawi, four in India, and one apiece in Kenya, Zambia, and Cambodia. Six studies received funding or donations from industry whereas eight did not, and one study did not report the funding source.The overall risk of bias was high for six studies, unclear for three studies, and low for six studies. Among the 14 studies that contributed to meta-analyses, none (n = 5), some (n = 5) or all (n = 4) children were stabilised in hospital prior to commencement of the study. One small study included only children known to be HIV-infected, another study stratified the analysis for 'recovery' according to HIV status, while the remaining studies included HIV-uninfected or untested children. Across all studies, the intervention lasted between 8 and 16 weeks. Only five studies followed up children postintervention (maximum of six months), and generally reported on a limited number of outcomes.We found seven studies with 2261 children comparing home-based RUTF meeting the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for nutritional composition (referred to in this review as standard RUTF) with an alternative dietary approach (effective sample size = 1964). RUTF probably improves recovery (risk ratio (RR) 1.33; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16 to 1.54; 6 studies, 1852 children; moderate-quality evidence), and may increase the rate of weight gain slightly (mean difference (MD) 1.12 g/kg/day, 95% CI 0.27 to 1.96; 4 studies, 1450 children; low-quality evidence), but we do not know the effects on relapse (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.30 to 1.01; 4 studies, 1505 children; very low-quality evidence) and mortality (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.51 to 2.16; 4 studies, 1505 children; very low-quality evidence).Two quasi-randomised cluster trials compared standard, home-based RUTF meeting total daily nutritional requirements with a similar RUTF but given as a supplement to the usual diet (213 children; effective sample size = 210). Meta-analysis showed that standard RUTF meeting total daily nutritional requirements may improve recovery (RR 1.41, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.68; low-quality evidence) and reduce relapse (RR 0.11, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.85; low-quality evidence), but the effects are unknown for mortality (RR 1.36, 95% CI 0.46 to 4.04; very low-quality evidence) and rate of weight gain (MD 1.21 g/kg/day, 95% CI - 0.74 to 3.16; very low-quality evidence).Eight studies randomised 5502 children (effective sample size = 4456) and compared standard home-based RUTF with RUTFs of alternative formulations (e.g. using locally available ingredients, containing less or no milk powder, containing specific fatty acids, or with added pre- and probiotics). For recovery, it made little or no difference whether standard or alternative formulation RUTF was used (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.08; 6 studies, 4188 children; high-quality evidence). Standard RUTF decreases relapse (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.98; 6 studies, 4188 children; high-quality evidence). However, it probably makes little or no difference to mortality (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.24; 7 studies, 4309 children; moderate-quality evidence) and may make little or no difference to the rate of weight gain (MD 0.11 g/kg/day, 95% CI -0.32 to 0.54; 6 studies, 3807 children; low-quality evidence) whether standard or alternative formulation RUTF is used. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Compared to alternative dietary approaches, standard RUTF probably improves recovery and may increase rate of weight gain slightly, but the effects on relapse and mortality are unknown. Standard RUTF meeting total daily nutritional requirements may improve recovery and relapse compared to a similar RUTF given as a supplement to the usual diet, but the effects on mortality and rate of weight gain are not clear. When comparing RUTFs with different formulations, the current evidence does not favour a particular formulation, except for relapse, which is reduced with standard RUTF. Well-designed, adequately powered, pragmatic RCTs with standardised outcome measures, stratified by HIV status, and that include diarrhoea as an outcome, are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anel Schoonees
- Stellenbosch UniversityCentre for Evidence‐based Health Care, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health SciencesFrancie van Zijl DriveCape TownWestern CapeSouth Africa7505
| | - Martani J Lombard
- North‐West UniversityCentre of Excellence for Nutrition (CEN)Hoffman StreetPotchefstroomPotchefstroomNorth West ProvinceSouth Africa2025
| | - Alfred Musekiwa
- Stellenbosch UniversityCentre for Evidence‐based Health Care, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health SciencesFrancie van Zijl DriveCape TownWestern CapeSouth Africa7505
| | - Etienne Nel
- Stellenbosch UniversityDepartment of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health SciencesFrancie van Zijl DriveCape TownWestern CapeSouth Africa7505
| | - Jimmy Volmink
- Stellenbosch UniversityCentre for Evidence‐based Health Care, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health SciencesFrancie van Zijl DriveCape TownWestern CapeSouth Africa7505
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Das JK, Salam RA, Hadi YB, Sadiq Sheikh S, Bhutta AZ, Weise Prinzo Z, Bhutta ZA. Preventive lipid-based nutrient supplements given with complementary foods to infants and young children 6 to 23 months of age for health, nutrition, and developmental outcomes. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 5:CD012611. [PMID: 31046132 PMCID: PMC6497129 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012611.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One nutritional intervention advocated to prevent malnutrition among children is lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS). LNS provide a range of vitamins and minerals, but unlike most other micronutrient supplements, LNS also provide energy, protein and essential fatty acids. Alternative recipes and formulations to LNS include fortified blended foods (FBF), which are foods fortified with vitamins and minerals, and micronutrient powders (MNP), which are a combination of vitamins and minerals, OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects and safety of preventive LNS given with complementary foods on health, nutrition and developmental outcomes of non-hospitalised infants and children six to 23 months of age, and whether or not they are more effective than other foods (including FBF or MNP).This review did not assess the effects of LNS as supplementary foods or therapeutic foods in the management of moderate and severe acute malnutrition. SEARCH METHODS In October 2018, we searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, 21 other databases and two trials registers for relevant studies. We also checked the reference lists of included studies and relevant reviews and contacted the authors of studies and other experts in the area for any ongoing and unpublished studies. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs that evaluated the impact of LNS plus complementary foods given at point-of-use (for any dose, frequency, duration) to non-hospitalised infants and young children aged six to 23 months in stable or emergency settings and compared to no intervention, other supplementary foods (i.e. FBF), nutrition counselling or multiple micronutrient supplements or powders for point-of-use fortification of complementary foods. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently screened studies for relevance and, for those studies included in the review, extracted data, assessed risk of bias and rated the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach. We carried out statistical analysis using Review Manager software. We used a random-effects meta-analysis for combining data as the interventions differed significantly. We set out the main findings of the review in 'Summary of findings' tables,. MAIN RESULTS Our search identified a total of 8124 records, from which we included 17 studies (54 papers) with 23,200 children in the review. The included studies reported on one or more of the pre-specified primary outcomes, and five studies included multiple comparison groups.Overall, the majority of trials were at low risk of bias for random sequence generation, allocation concealment, blinding of outcome assessment, incomplete outcome data, selective reporting and other sources of bias, but at high risk of bias for blinding of participants and personnel due to the nature of the intervention. Using the GRADE approach, we judged the quality of the evidence for most outcomes as low or moderate.LNS+complementary feeding compared with no intervention Thirteen studies compared LNS plus complementary feeding with no intervention. LNS plus complementary feeding reduced the prevalence of moderate stunting by 7% (risk ratio (RR) 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88 to 0.98; nine studies, 13,372 participants; moderate-quality evidence), severe stunting by 15% (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.98; five studies, 6151 participants; moderate-quality evidence), moderate wasting by 18% (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.91; eight studies; 13,172 participants; moderate-quality evidence), moderate underweight by 15% (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.91; eight studies, 13,073 participants; moderate-quality evidence), and anaemia by 21% (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.69 to 0.90; five studies, 2332 participants; low-quality evidence). There was no impact of LNS plus complementary feeding on severe wasting (RR 1.27, 95% CI 0.66 to 2.46; three studies, 2329 participants) and severe underweight (RR 0.78, 95%CI 0.54 to 1.13; two studies, 1729 participants). Adverse effects did not differ between the groups (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.01; three studies, 3382 participants).LNS+complementary feeding compared with FBF Five studies compared LNS plus complementary feeding with other FBF, including corn soy blend and UNIMIX. We pooled four of the five studies in meta-analyses and found that, when compared to other FBF, LNS plus complementary feeding significantly reduced the prevalence of moderate stunting (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.97; three studies, 2828 participants; moderate-quality evidence), moderate wasting (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.97; two studies, 2290 participants; moderate-quality evidence), and moderate underweight (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.91; two studies, 2280 participants; moderate-quality evidence). We found no difference between LNS plus complementary feeding and FBF for severe stunting (RR 0.41, 95% CI 0.12 to 1.42; two studies, 729 participants; low-quality evidence), severe wasting (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.19 to 2.81; two studies, 735 participants; moderate-quality evidence), and severe underweight (RR 1.23, 95% CI 0.67 to 2.25; one study, 173 participants; low-quality evidence).LNS+complementary feeding compared with MNP Four studies compared LNS plus complementary feeding with MNP. We pooled data from three of the four studies in meta-analyses and found that compared to MNP, LNS plus complementary feeding significantly reduced the prevalence of moderate underweight (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.78 to 0.99; two studies, 2004 participants; moderate-quality evidence) and anaemia (RR 0.38, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.68; two studies, 557 participants; low-quality evidence). There was no difference between LNS plus complementary feeding and MNP for moderate stunting (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.02; three studies, 2365 participants) and moderate wasting (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.23; two studies, 2004 participants). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The findings of this review suggest that LNS plus complementary feeding compared to no intervention is effective at improving growth outcomes and anaemia without adverse effects among children aged six to 23 months in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) in Asia and Africa, and more effective if provided over a longer duration of time (over 12 months). Limited evidence also suggests that LNS plus complementary feeding is more effective than FBF and MNP at improving growth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jai K Das
- Aga Khan University HospitalDivision of Women and Child HealthStadium RoadPO Box 3500KarachiSindPakistan
| | - Rehana A Salam
- Aga Khan University HospitalDivision of Women and Child HealthStadium RoadPO Box 3500KarachiSindPakistan
| | - Yousaf Bashir Hadi
- West Virginia UniversityDepartment of Internal Medicine1 Medical Center DriveMorgantownWest VirginiaUSA26506
| | - Sana Sadiq Sheikh
- Aga Khan University HospitalDivision of Women and Child HealthStadium RoadPO Box 3500KarachiSindPakistan
| | - Afsah Z Bhutta
- Dow University of Health SciencesKarachiSindhPakistan75500
| | - Zita Weise Prinzo
- World Health OrganizationDepartment of Nutrition for Health and DevelopmentAvenue Appia 20GenevaGESwitzerland1211
| | - Zulfiqar A Bhutta
- The Hospital for Sick ChildrenCentre for Global Child HealthTorontoCanada
- Aga Khan University HospitalCenter for Excellence in Women and Child HealthKarachiPakistan
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25
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Ruel-Bergeron JC, Hurley KM, Kang Y, Aburto N, Farhikhtah A, Dinucci A, Molinas L, Lee Shu Fune W, Mitra M, Phuka J, Klemm R, West K, Christian P. Monitoring and evaluation design of Malawi's Right Foods at the Right Time nutrition program. EVALUATION AND PROGRAM PLANNING 2019; 73:1-9. [PMID: 30453182 DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Child stunting is a public health problem in Malawi. In 2014, the Government of Malawi launched the Right Foods at the Right Time (RFRT) program in Ntchisi district delivering nutrition social and behavior change communication, a small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplement to children 6-23 months, and nutrition sensitive activities. Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems are key aspects of successful program implementation. We describe these and the methodology for an impact evaluation that was conducted for this program. Two monitoring systems using traditional and electronic platforms were established to register and track program delivery and processes including number of eligible beneficiaries, worker performance, program participation, and to monitor input, output, and outcome indicators. The impact evaluation used comparative cross-sectional and longitudinal designs to assess impact on anthropometric and infant and young child feeding outcomes. Three cross-sectional surveys (base-, mid-, and end-line) and two longitudinal cohorts of children followed in 6-month intervals from 6 to 24 months of age, were conducted in sampled households in the program and a neighboring comparison district. Additional M&E included qualitative studies, a process evaluation, and a cost-effectiveness study. The current paper describes lessons from this program's M&E, and demonstrates how multiple implementation research activities can inform course-correction and program scale-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie C Ruel-Bergeron
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health, Program in Human Nutrition, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Kristen M Hurley
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health, Program in Human Nutrition, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Yunhee Kang
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health, Program in Human Nutrition, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Nancy Aburto
- United Nations World Food Programme, Nutrition Division, Via Cesare Guilio Viola 68, Parco dei Medici, Rome, 00148, Italy
| | - Arghanoon Farhikhtah
- United Nations World Food Programme, Nutrition Division, Via Cesare Guilio Viola 68, Parco dei Medici, Rome, 00148, Italy
| | - Alessandro Dinucci
- United Nations World Food Programme, Nutrition Division, Via Cesare Guilio Viola 68, Parco dei Medici, Rome, 00148, Italy
| | - Luca Molinas
- United Nations World Food Programme, Nutrition Division, Via Cesare Guilio Viola 68, Parco dei Medici, Rome, 00148, Italy
| | - Wu Lee Shu Fune
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health, Program in Human Nutrition, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Maithilee Mitra
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health, Program in Human Nutrition, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - John Phuka
- College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Private Bag 360, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Rolf Klemm
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health, Program in Human Nutrition, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA; Helen Keller International, 352 Park Avenue South, 12th floor, New York, NY, 10010, USA
| | - Keith West
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health, Program in Human Nutrition, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Parul Christian
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health, Program in Human Nutrition, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA; The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Women's Nutrition, 500 Fifth Avenue North, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
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26
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Das JK, Salam RA, Weise Prinzo Z, Sadiq Sheikh S, Bhutta ZA. Provision of preventive lipid-based nutrient supplements given with complementary foods to infants and young children 6 to 23 months of age for health, nutrition, and developmental outcomes. Hippokratia 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012611.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jai K Das
- Aga Khan University Hospital; Division of Women and Child Health; Stadium Road PO Box 3500 Karachi Sind Pakistan
| | - Rehana A Salam
- Aga Khan University Hospital; Division of Women and Child Health; Stadium Road PO Box 3500 Karachi Sind Pakistan
| | - Zita Weise Prinzo
- World Health Organization; Department of Nutrition for Health and Development; Avenue Appia 20 Geneva GE Switzerland 1211
| | - Sana Sadiq Sheikh
- Aga Khan University Hospital; Division of Women and Child Health; Stadium Road PO Box 3500 Karachi Sind Pakistan
| | - Zulfiqar A Bhutta
- The Hospital for Sick Children; Centre for Global Child Health; Toronto ON Canada M5G A04
- Aga Khan University Hospital; Centre for Excellence in Women and Child Health; Stadium Road PO Box 3500 Karachi Pakistan 74800
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Santos JAR, Christoforou A, Trieu K, McKenzie BL, Downs S, Billot L, Webster J, Li M. Iodine fortification of foods and condiments, other than salt, for preventing iodine deficiency disorders. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 2:CD010734. [PMID: 30746700 PMCID: PMC6370918 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd010734.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) affect close to 1.9 billion people worldwide, and are a major public health concern in many countries. Among children, iodine deficiency is the main cause of potentially preventable deficits of central nervous system development and impairment of cognitive function, as well as goitre and hypothyroidism in people of all ages. Salt iodisation is the preferred strategy for IDD prevention and control, however, in some instances where salt is not the major condiment, alternate vehicles for iodine fortification have been considered. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of fortifying foods, beverages, condiments, or seasonings other than salt with iodine alone or in conjunction with other micronutrients, on iodine status and health-related outcomes in all populations. SEARCH METHODS Studies were identified through systematic searches of the following databases from their start date to January 2018: Cochrane Public Health Group Specialised Register; CENTRAL; MEDLINE; MEDLINE in Process; Embase; Web of Science; CINAHL; POPLINE; AGRICOLA; BIOSIS; Food Science and Technology Abstracts; OpenGrey; Bibliomap and TRoPHI; AGRIS; IBECS; Scielo; Global Index Medicus-AFRO and EMRO; LILACS; PAHO; WHOLIS; WPRO; IMSEAR; IndMED; and Native Health Research Database. We also searched reference list of relevant articles, conference proceedings, and databases of ongoing trials, and contacted experts and relevant organisations to identify any unpublished work. We applied no language or date restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA Studies were eligible if they were randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials (RCT) with randomisation at either the individual or cluster level (including cross-over trials), non-randomised RCTs, or prospective observational studies with a control group, such as cohort studies, controlled before-and-after studies, and interrupted time series. We included studies that examined the effects of fortification of food, beverage, condiment, or seasoning with iodine alone, or in combination with other micronutrients versus the same unfortified food, or no intervention. We considered the following measures: death (all-cause), goitre, physical development, mental development, cognitive function and motor skill development, cretinism, hypothyroidism, adverse effects (any reported by trialists), urinary iodine concentration, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration, and serum thyroglobulin concentration. We included all populations, including pregnant women, from any country. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed study eligibility, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias of included studies.We used random-effects meta-analyses to combine data and generate an overall estimate of treatment effect, when more than one study examined the same outcome measure. The overall effect estimate was calculated as the mean difference (MD) or standardised mean difference (SMD) between the intervention group and the comparison group for continuous outcomes, and as odds ratio (OR) for dichotomous outcomes. We assessed the level of heterogeneity through the I² statistic. We conducted post-hoc subgroup analyses to explore possible sources of heterogeneity, and sensitivity analyses to check the robustness of the findings from the primary analyses. We assessed the quality of the evidence for each outcome using the GRADE framework.Where it was not possible to pool the results in a meta-analysis, we provided a narrative summary of the outcomes. MAIN RESULTS Eleven studies met the criteria, providing 14 comparisons, and capturing data on 4317 participants. Seven studies were RCTs, three were cluster non-RCTs, and one was a randomised cross-over design. Seven studies were carried out among school children (N = 3636), three among women of reproductive age (N = 648), and one among infants (N = 33). The studies used diverse types of food as vehicle for iodine delivery: biscuits, milk, fish sauce, drinking water, yoghourt, fruit beverage, seasoning powder, and infant formula milk. Daily amounts of iodine provided ranged from 35 µg/day to 220 µg/day; trial duration ranged from 11 days to 48 weeks. Five studies examined the effect of iodine fortification alone, two against the same unfortified food, and three against no intervention. Six studies evaluated the effect of cofortification of iodine with other micronutrients versus the same food without iodine but with different levels of other micronutrients. We assessed one study to be at low risk of bias for all bias domains, three at low risk of bias for all domains apart from selective reporting, and seven at an overall rating of high risk of bias.No study assessed the primary outcomes of death, mental development, cognitive function, cretinism, or hypothyroidism, or secondary outcomes of TSH or serum thyroglobulin concentration. Two studies reported the effects on goitre, one on physical development measures, and one on adverse effects. All studies assessed urinary iodine concentration.The effects of iodine fortification compared to control on goitre prevalence (OR 1.60, 95% CI 0.60 to 4.31; 1 non-RCT, 83 participants; very low-quality evidence), and five physical development measures were uncertain (1 non-RCT, 83 participants; very low-quality evidence): weight (MD 0.23 kg, 95% CI -6.30 to 6.77); height (MD -0.66 cm, 95% CI -4.64 to 3.33); weight-for-age (MD 0.05, 95% CI -0.59 to 0.69); height-for-age (MD -0.30, 95% CI -0.75 to 0.15); and weight-for-height (MD -0.21, 95% CI -0.51 to 0.10). One study reported that there were no adverse events observed during the cross-over trial (low-quality evidence).Pooled results from RCTs showed that urinary iodine concentration significantly increased following iodine fortification (SMD 0.59, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.81; 6 RCTs, 2032 participants; moderate-quality evidence). This is equivalent to an increase of 38.32 µg/L (95% CI 24.03 to 52.61 µg/L). This effect was not observed in the meta-analysis of non-RCTs (SMD 0.25, 95% CI -0.16 to 0.66; 3 non-RCTs, 262 participants; very low-quality evidence). Sensitivity analyses did not change the effect observed in the primary analyses. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The evidence on the effect of iodine fortification of foods, beverages, condiments, or seasonings other than salt on reducing goitre, improving physical development measures, and any adverse effects is uncertain. However, our findings suggest that the intervention likely increases urinary iodine concentration. Additional, adequately powered, high-quality studies on the effects of iodine fortification of foods on these, and other important outcomes, as well as its efficacy and safety, are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Alvin R Santos
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South WalesOffice of the Chief ScientistSydneyAustralia
| | | | - Kathy Trieu
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South WalesOffice of the Chief ScientistSydneyAustralia
| | - Briar L McKenzie
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South WalesOffice of the Chief ScientistSydneyAustralia
| | - Shauna Downs
- Rutgers School of Public HealthDepartment of Health Systems and PolicyNew BrunswickNJUSA
| | - Laurent Billot
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South WalesOffice of the Chief ScientistSydneyAustralia
| | - Jacqui Webster
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South WalesOffice of the Chief ScientistSydneyAustralia
| | - Mu Li
- The University of SydneySydney School of Public HealthLevel 10, King George V Building RPA. 83‐117 Missenden RoadCamperdownNSWAustralia2050
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Smuts CM, Matsungo TM, Malan L, Kruger HS, Rothman M, Kvalsvig JD, Covic N, Joosten K, Osendarp SJM, Bruins MJ, Frenken LGJ, Lombard CJ, Faber M. Effect of small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements on growth, psychomotor development, iron status, and morbidity among 6- to 12-mo-old infants in South Africa: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2019; 109:55-68. [PMID: 30649163 PMCID: PMC6358035 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqy282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence on the effect of small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNSs) on early child growth and development is mixed. Objective This study assessed the effect of daily consumption of 2 different SQ-LNS formulations on linear growth (primary outcome), psychomotor development, iron status (secondary outcomes), and morbidity in infants from age 6 to 12 mo within the context of a maize-based complementary diet. Methods Infants (n = 750) were randomly assigned to receive SQ-LNS, SQ-LNS-plus, or no supplement. Both SQ-LNS products contained micronutrients and essential fatty acids. SQ-LNS-plus contained, in addition, docosahexaenoic acid, arachidonic acid (important for brain and eye development), lysine (limiting amino acid in maize), phytase (enhances iron absorption), and other nutrients. Infants' weight and length were measured bimonthly. At age 6 and 12 mo, psychomotor development using the Kilifi Developmental Inventory and South African Parent Rating Scale and hemoglobin, plasma ferritin, C-reactive protein, and α1-acid glycoprotein were assessed. WHO Motor Milestone outcomes, adherence, and morbidity were monitored weekly through home visits. Primary analysis was by intention-to-treat, comparing each SQ-LNS group with the control. Results SQ-LNS-plus had a positive effect on length-for-age zscore at age 8 mo (mean difference: 0.11; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.22; P = 0.032) and 10 mo (0.16; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.27; P = 0.008) but not at 12 mo (0.09; 95% CI: -0.02, 0.21; P = 0.115), locomotor development score (2.05; 95% CI: 0.72, 3.38; P = 0.003), and Parent Rating Score (1.10; 95% CI: 0.14, 2.07; P = 0.025), but no effect for weight-for-age zscore. Both SQ-LNS (P = 0.027) and SQ-LNS-plus (P = 0.005) improved hemoglobin concentration and reduced the risk of anemia, iron deficiency, and iron-deficiency anemia. Both SQ-LNS products reduced longitudinal prevalence of fever, coughing, and wheezing but increased incidence and longitudinal prevalence of diarrhea, vomiting, and rash/sores. Conclusions Point-of-use fortification with SQ-LNS-plus showed an early transient effect on linear growth and improved locomotor development. Both SQ-LNS products had positive impacts on anemia and iron status. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01845610.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelius M Smuts
- Center of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa,Address correspondence to CMS (e-mail: )
| | - Tonderayi M Matsungo
- Center of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Linda Malan
- Center of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Herculina S Kruger
- Center of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Marinel Rothman
- Center of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Jane D Kvalsvig
- Department of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Namukolo Covic
- Center of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Karen Joosten
- Center of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | | | | | | | - Carl J Lombard
- Center of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa,Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Mieke Faber
- Center of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa,Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa
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Ruel-Bergeron J, Hurley K, Kapadia-Kundu N, Oemcke R, Chirwa E, Hambayi M, Aburto N, Christian P. Physical and sociocultural facilitators and barriers to access and utilization of a nutrition program in rural Malawi: a qualitative study. Ecol Food Nutr 2018; 57:405-424. [DOI: 10.1080/03670244.2018.1518221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Ruel-Bergeron
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kristen Hurley
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Rachel Oemcke
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Mutinta Hambayi
- Nutrition Division, The World Food Programme, Roma, RM, Italy
| | - Nancy Aburto
- Nutrition Division, The World Food Programme, Roma, RM, Italy
| | - Parul Christian
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Das JK, Hoodbhoy Z, Salam RA, Bhutta AZ, Valenzuela‐Rubio NG, Weise Prinzo Z, Bhutta ZA. Lipid-based nutrient supplements for maternal, birth, and infant developmental outcomes. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018; 8:CD012610. [PMID: 30168868 PMCID: PMC6513224 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012610.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ready-to-use lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) are a highly nutrient-dense supplement, which could be a good source of macro- and micronutrients for pregnant women who need to supplement their nutrient intake. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of LNS for maternal, birth and infant outcomes in pregnant women. Secondary objectives were to explore the most appropriate composition, frequency and duration of LNS administration. SEARCH METHODS In May 2018, we searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, 22 other databases and two trials registers for any published and ongoing studies. We also checked the reference lists of included studies and relevant reviews, and we contacted the authors of included studies and other experts in the field to identify any studies we may have missed, including any unpublished studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs that compared LNS given in pregnancy to no intervention, placebo, iron folic acid (IFA), multiple micronutrients (MMN) or nutritional counselling. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard Cochrane procedures. MAIN RESULTS We included four studies in 8018 pregnant women. All four studies took place in stable community settings in low- and middle-income countries: Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Ghana and Malawi. None were in emergency settings. The oldest trial was published in 2009. Of the four included studies, one compared LNS to IFA, one compared LNS to MMN, and two compared LNS to both IFA and MMN.We considered the included studies to be of medium to high quality, and we rated the quality of the evidence as moderate using the GRADE approach.LNS versus IFAMaternal outcomes: there was no difference between the LNS and IFA groups as regards maternal gestational weight gain per week (standard mean difference (SMD) 0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.44 to 1.36; 2 studies, 3539 participants). One study (536 participants) showed a two-fold increase in the prevalence of maternal anaemia in the LNS group compared to the IFA group, but no difference between the groups as regards adverse effects. There was no difference between the two groups for maternal mortality (risk ratio (RR) 0.53, 95% CI 0.12 to 2.41; 3 studies, 5628 participants).Birth and infant outcomes: there was no difference between the LNS and IFA groups for low birth weight (LBW) (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.05; 3 studies, 4826 participants), though newborns in the LNS group had a slightly higher mean birth weight (mean difference (MD) 53.28 g, 95% CI 28.22 to 78.33; 3 studies, 5077 participants) and birth length (cm) (MD 0.24 cm, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.36; 3 studies, 4986 participants). There was a reduction in the proportion of infants who were small for gestational age (SGA) (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.89 to 0.99; 3 studies, 4823 participants) and had newborn stunting (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.94; 2 studies, 4166 participants) in the LNS group, but no difference between the LNS and IFA groups for preterm delivery (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.11; 4 studies, 4924 participants), stillbirth (RR 1.14; 95% CI 0.52 to 2.48; 3 studies, 5575 participants) or neonatal death (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.14 to 6.51). The current evidence for child developmental outcomes is not sufficient to draw any firm conclusions.LNS versus MMNMaternal outcomes: one study (662 participants) showed no difference between the LNS and MMN groups as regards gestational weight gain per week or adverse effects. Another study (557 participants) showed an increased risk of maternal anaemia in the LNS group compared to the MMN group.Birth and infant outcomes: there was no difference between the LNS and MMN groups for LBW (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.14; 3 studies, 2404 participants), birth weight (MD 23.67 g, 95% CI -10.53 to 57.86; 3 studies, 2573 participants), birth length (MD 0.20 cm, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.42; 3 studies, 2567 participants), SGA (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.07; 3 studies, 2393 participants), preterm delivery (RR 1.15, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.42; 3 studies, 2630 participants), head circumference z score (MD 0.10, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.21; 2 studies, 1549 participants) or neonatal death (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.36 to 2.15; 1 study, 1175 participants). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Findings from this review suggest that LNS supplementation has a slight, positive effect on weight at birth, length at birth, SGA and newborn stunting compared to IFA. LNS and MMN were comparable for all maternal, birth and infant outcomes. Both IFA and MMN were better at reducing maternal anaemia when compared to LNS. We did not find any trials for LNS given to pregnant women in emergency settings.Readers should interpret the beneficial findings of the review with caution since the evidence comes from a small number of trials, with one-large scale study (conducted in community settings in Bangladesh) driving most of the impact. In addition, effect sizes are too small to propose any concrete recommendation for practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jai K Das
- Aga Khan University HospitalDivision of Women and Child HealthStadium RoadPO Box 3500KarachiSindPakistan
| | - Zahra Hoodbhoy
- Aga Khan University HospitalDivision of Women and Child HealthStadium RoadPO Box 3500KarachiSindPakistan
| | - Rehana A Salam
- Aga Khan University HospitalDivision of Women and Child HealthStadium RoadPO Box 3500KarachiSindPakistan
| | | | - Nancy G Valenzuela‐Rubio
- Autonomous University of SinaloaSchool of Nutrition and GastronomyPuerto Ensenada Ave. 1783Nuevo CuliacanCuliacanSinaloaMexico80170
- Mexican Association for Nutrition and Health ResearchCuliacanMexico
| | - Zita Weise Prinzo
- World Health OrganizationDepartment of Nutrition for Health and DevelopmentAvenue Appia 20GenevaGESwitzerland1211
| | - Zulfiqar A Bhutta
- The Hospital for Sick ChildrenCentre for Global Child HealthTorontoONCanadaM5G A04
- Aga Khan University HospitalCentre for Excellence in Women and Child HealthStadium RoadPO Box 3500KarachiPakistan74800
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Adams KP, Okronipa H, Adu-Afarwuah S, Arimond M, Kumordzie S, Oaks BM, Ocansey ME, Young RR, Vosti SA, Dewey KG. Ghanaian parents' perceptions of pre and postnatal nutrient supplements and their effects. MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION 2018; 14:e12608. [PMID: 29656569 PMCID: PMC6866179 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.12608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) have been studied in efficacy and effectiveness trials, but little is known about how parents perceive the products and their effects. In a randomised trial in Ghana, efficacy of SQ-LNS provided to women during pregnancy and the first 6 months postpartum and to their children from 6 to 18 months of age was assessed by comparison with iron-folic acid (IFA) capsules and multiple micronutrient (MMN) capsules provided to women. In a follow-up study conducted when the index children from the original trial were between 4 and 6 years of age, we used survey-based methods to assess retrospective and current parental perceptions of nutrient supplements generally and of SQ-LNS and their effects compared with perceptions IFA and MMN capsules. Most parents perceived that the assigned supplements (SQ-LNS, IFA, or MMN) positively impacted the mother during pregnancy (approximately 89% of both mothers and fathers) and during lactation (84% of mothers and 86% of fathers). Almost all (≥90%) of mothers and fathers perceived that the assigned supplement positively impacted the index child and expected continued positive impacts on the child's health and human capital into the future. A smaller percentage of parents perceived negative impacts of the supplements (7%-17% of mothers and 4%-12% of fathers). Perceptions of positive impacts and of negative impacts did not differ by intervention group. The results suggest that similar populations would likely be receptive to programs to deliver SQ-LNS or micronutrient capsules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine P Adams
- Program in International and Community Nutrition, Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Harriet Okronipa
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Seth Adu-Afarwuah
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Mary Arimond
- Intake-Center for Dietary Assessment, FHI 360, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Sika Kumordzie
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Brietta M Oaks
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Maku E Ocansey
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Rebecca R Young
- Program in International and Community Nutrition, Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Stephen A Vosti
- Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Kathryn G Dewey
- Program in International and Community Nutrition, Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
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Harper KM, Mutasa M, Prendergast AJ, Humphrey J, Manges AR. Environmental enteric dysfunction pathways and child stunting: A systematic review. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006205. [PMID: 29351288 PMCID: PMC5792022 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) is commonly defined as an acquired subclinical disorder of the small intestine, characterized by villous atrophy and crypt hyperplasia. EED has been proposed to underlie stunted growth among children in developing countries. A collection of biomarkers, organized into distinct domains, has been used to measure different aspects of EED. Here, we examine whether these hypothesized relationships, among EED domains and between each domain and stunting, are supported by data from recent studies. METHODOLOGY A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CINAHL between January 1, 2010 and April 20, 2017. Information on study objective, design, population, location, biomarkers, and results were recorded, as well as qualitative and quantitative definitions of EED. Biomarkers were organized into five EED domains, and the number of studies that support or do not support relationships among domains and between each domain with stunting were summarized. RESULTS There was little evidence to support the pathway from intestinal permeability to microbial translocation and from microbial translocation to stunting, but stronger support existed for the link between intestinal inflammation and systemic inflammation and for intestinal inflammation and stunting. There was conflicting evidence for the pathways from intestinal damage to intestinal permeability and intestinal damage to stunting. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that certain EED biomarkers may require reconsideration, particularly those most difficult to measure, such as microbial translocation and intestinal permeability. We discuss several issues with currently used biomarkers and recommend further analysis of pathogen-induced changes to the intestinal microbiota as a pathway leading to stunting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn M. Harper
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Maxine Mutasa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - Andrew J. Prendergast
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jean Humphrey
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Amee R. Manges
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, Canada
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Development and Physico-Chemical Characterization of a Shea Butter-Containing Lipid Nutrition Supplement for Sub-Saharan Africa. Foods 2017; 6:foods6110097. [PMID: 29117103 PMCID: PMC5704141 DOI: 10.3390/foods6110097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Revised: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) are used to prevent and treat moderate and severe acute malnutrition, a leading cause of mortality in children-under-five. The physical and chemical changes of two new LNS products were evaluated before and after accelerated shelf life testing (ASLT) according to protocols suggested by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Doctors without Borders and compared against USAID’s A-20 paste as a control. LNS formulas containing Shea butter from the Shea nut tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), a common fat source in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, with and without flax-seed oil, as a source of omega-3 fatty acids, were developed. LNS formulas were batched (0.8 kg) in a wet grinder, sealed under nitrogen in three-layer mini-pouches (20 g), and underwent ASLT at 40 ± 2 °C for six months with sampling every eight weeks. At each time point, water activity, moisture, peroxide value, oil separation, vitamin C content, and hardness were evaluated. Results showed comparable stability among all formulas with an increase in Aw (p < 0.05) but no change in vitamin C, oil separation, or peroxide value. Addition of Shea butter improved the LNS’s hardness, which remained stable over time. Modifying fat profile in LNS can improve its texture and essential fatty acid content without affecting its storage stability.
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Rogers BL, Wilner LB, Maganga G, Walton SM, Suri DJ, Langlois BK, Chui KKH, Boiteau JM, Vosti SA, Webb P. Program changes are effective and cost-effective in increasing the amount of oil used in preparing corn soy blend porridge for treatment of moderate acute malnutrition in Malawi. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2017; 13:e12393. [PMID: 28083927 PMCID: PMC6866085 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.12393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Revised: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Corn Soy Blend (CSB) porridge is commonly prepared with oil for treatment of moderate acute malnutrition (MAM). A recent review recommended that 30 g of oil be used with 100 g of CSB to increase energy density and micronutrient absorption. This study assessed the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of program changes aimed at achieving that target oil:CSB ratio in prepared porridge. Caregivers of children in MAM supplementary feeding programs were assigned to three groups: a control group received monthly rations of 1 L oil, 8 kg CSB in bulk, and social and behavior change communication (SBCC); intervention groups received 2.6 L oil, 8 kg CSB provided either in bulk (Group 1) or four 2-kg packages with printed messages (Group 2), and enhanced SBCC emphasizing the target oil:CSB ratio. Compared to the control, both intervention groups had higher mean added oil per 100 g CSB (18 g, p < 0.01, and 13 g, p= 0.04, higher in groups 1 and 2, respectively), and greater odds of meeting or exceeding the target ratio (28.4, p< 0.01, and 12.7, p= 0.02, in groups 1 and 2, respectively). Cost per caregiver reaching the target ratio was most favorable in Group 1 ($391 in Group 1, $527 in Group 2, and $1,666 in the control). Enhanced SBCC combined with increased oil ration resulted in increased use of oil in CSB porridge in a supplementary feeding program. Modified packaging did not improve effectiveness. However, both interventions were more cost-effective than standard programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Lorge Rogers
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and PolicyTufts UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Lauren B. Wilner
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and PolicyTufts UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Gray Maganga
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and PolicyTufts UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Shelley Marcus Walton
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and PolicyTufts UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Devika J. Suri
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and PolicyTufts UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Nutritional SciencesUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Breanne K. Langlois
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and PolicyTufts UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Kenneth Kwan Ho Chui
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, School of MedicineTufts UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jocelyn M. Boiteau
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and PolicyTufts UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Stephen A. Vosti
- Department of Agricultural and Resource EconomicsUniversity of California‐DavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Patrick Webb
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and PolicyTufts UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
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Gera T, Pena-Rosas JP, Boy-Mena E, Sachdev HS. Lipid based nutrient supplements (LNS) for treatment of children (6 months to 59 months) with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM): A systematic review. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182096. [PMID: 28934235 PMCID: PMC5608196 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Moderate acute malnutrition is a major public health problem affecting children from low- and middle-income countries. Lipid nutrient supplements have been proposed as a nutritional intervention for its treatment. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of LNS for the treatment of MAM in infants and children 6 to 59 months of age. STUDY DESIGN Systematic review of randomized-controlled trials and controlled before-after studies. RESULTS Data from nine trials showed that use of LNS, in comparison to specially formulated foods, improved the recovery rate (RR 1.08; 95% CI 1.02-1.14, 8 RCTs, 8934 participants, low quality evidence); decreased the chances of no recovery (RR 0.70; 95% CI 0.58-0.85, 7 RCTs, 8364 participants, low quality evidence) and the risk of deterioration into severe acute malnutrition (RR 0.87; 95% CI 0.73-1.03, 6 RCTs, 6788 participants, low quality evidence). There was little impact on mortality (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.54-1.52, 8 RCTs, 8364 participants, very-low- quality evidence) or default rate (RR 1.32; 95% CI 0.73-2.4, 7 studies, 7570 participants, low quality evidence). There was improvement in weight gain, weight-for-height z-scores, height-for-age z-scores and mid-upper arm circumference. Subset analyses suggested higher recovery rates with greater amount of calories provided and with ready-to-use therapeutic foods, in comparison to ready-to-use supplementary foods. One study comparing LNS with nutritional counselling (very low quality evidence) showed higher chance of recovery, lower risk of deteriorating into severe acute malnutrition and lower default rate, with no impact on mortality, and no recovery. CONCLUSIONS Evidence restricted to the African regions suggests that LNS may be slightly more effective than specially formulated fortified foods or nutritional counselling in recovery from MAM, lowering the risk of deterioration into SAM, and improving weight gain with little impact on mortality or default rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarun Gera
- Department of Pediatrics, SL Jain Hospital, Delhi, India
| | - Juan Pablo Pena-Rosas
- Evidence and Programme Guidance, Department of Nutrition for Health and Development, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Evelyn Boy-Mena
- Evidence and Programme Guidance, Department of Nutrition for Health and Development, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Harshpal S. Sachdev
- Department of Pediatrics and Clinical Epidemiology, Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research, New Delhi, India
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Adu-Afarwuah S, Lartey A, Dewey KG. Meeting nutritional needs in the first 1000 days: a place for small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2017; 1392:18-29. [PMID: 28319655 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Revised: 01/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The first 1000 days of life is marked by intense metabolic activity and tissue deposition. The increased nutritional needs during this period, and the challenges to meeting them, are often not understood or appreciated. Here, we describe the nutritional needs during the first 1000 days, highlight the challenges to meeting these needs in developing countries, outline intervention strategies, and examine the consumption of small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) as a promising strategy. In low-income settings, the challenge to meeting nutritional needs during the first 1000 days is worsened by overreliance on cereal-based diets of low nutrient density and high prevalence of infections and infestations. Dietary diversification is the ideal long-term solution to nutritional deficiencies, but difficulties with obtaining adequate amounts of iron, zinc, and certain vitamins may still remain. Several other interventions are available, but applying them is often fraught with challenges, including cost and contextual factors limiting efficacy. Evidence suggests that SQ-LNS supplementation may help reduce inadequate gestational weight gain and promote fetal and child growth and development in some populations. More research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of SQ-LNS and other fortified products in different contexts and within integrated programs that address other determinants of maternal and child undernutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth Adu-Afarwuah
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Anna Lartey
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy
| | - Kathryn G Dewey
- Program in International and Community Nutrition, Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, California
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Hess SY, Peerson JM, Becquey E, Abbeddou S, Ouédraogo CT, Somé JW, Yakes Jimenez E, Ouédraogo JB, Vosti SA, Rouamba N, Brown KH. Differing growth responses to nutritional supplements in neighboring health districts of Burkina Faso are likely due to benefits of small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS). PLoS One 2017; 12:e0181770. [PMID: 28771493 PMCID: PMC5542440 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Of two community-based trials among young children in neighboring health districts of Burkina Faso, one found that small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) increased child growth compared with a non-intervention control group, but zinc supplementation did not in the second study. Objectives We explored whether the disparate growth outcomes were associated with differences in intervention components, household demographic variables, and/or children’s morbidity. Methods Children in the LNS study received 20g LNS daily containing different amounts of zinc (LNS). Children in the zinc supplementation study received different zinc supplementation regimens (Z-Suppl). Children in both studies were visited weekly for morbidity surveillance. Free malaria and diarrhea treatment was provided by the field worker in the LNS study, and by a village-based community-health worker in the zinc study. Anthropometric assessments were repeated every 13–16 weeks. For the present analyses, study intervals of the two studies were matched by child age and month of enrollment. The changes in length-for-age z-score (LAZ) per interval were compared between LNS and Z-Suppl groups using mixed model ANOVA or ANCOVA. Covariates were added to the model in blocks, and adjusted differences between group means were estimated. Results Mean ages at enrollment of LNS (n = 1716) and Z-Suppl (n = 1720) were 9.4±0.4 and 10.1±2.7 months, respectively. The age-adjusted change in mean LAZ per interval declined less with LNS (-0.07±0.44) versus Z-Suppl (-0.21±0.43; p<0.0001). There was a significant group by interval interaction with the greatest difference found in 9–12 month old children (p<0.0001). Adjusting for demographic characteristics and morbidity did not reduce the observed differences by type of intervention, even though the morbidity burden was greater in the LNS group. Conclusions Greater average physical growth in children who received LNS could not be explained by known cross-trial differences in baseline characteristics or morbidity burden, implying that the observed difference in growth response was partly due to LNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Y. Hess
- Program in International and Community Nutrition, Department of Nutrition, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Janet M. Peerson
- Program in International and Community Nutrition, Department of Nutrition, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - Elodie Becquey
- Poverty, Health and Nutrition Division, International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Souheila Abbeddou
- Program in International and Community Nutrition, Department of Nutrition, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - Césaire T. Ouédraogo
- Program in International and Community Nutrition, Department of Nutrition, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States of America
- Direction Régionale de l'Ouest, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Jérôme W. Somé
- Program in International and Community Nutrition, Department of Nutrition, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States of America
- Direction Régionale de l'Ouest, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Elizabeth Yakes Jimenez
- Center for Education Policy Research and Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Preventive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Jean-Bosco Ouédraogo
- Direction Régionale de l'Ouest, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Stephen A. Vosti
- Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - Noël Rouamba
- Direction Régionale de l'Ouest, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Kenneth H. Brown
- Program in International and Community Nutrition, Department of Nutrition, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States of America
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Wit JM, Himes JH, van Buuren S, Denno DM, Suchdev PS. Practical Application of Linear Growth Measurements in Clinical Research in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Horm Res Paediatr 2017; 88:79-90. [PMID: 28196362 PMCID: PMC5804842 DOI: 10.1159/000456007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Childhood stunting is a prevalent problem in low- and middle-income countries and is associated with long-term adverse neurodevelopment and health outcomes. In this review, we define indicators of growth, discuss key challenges in their analysis and application, and offer suggestions for indicator selection in clinical research contexts. METHODS Critical review of the literature. RESULTS Linear growth is commonly expressed as length-for-age or height-for-age z-score (HAZ) in comparison to normative growth standards. Conditional HAZ corrects for regression to the mean where growth changes relate to previous status. In longitudinal studies, growth can be expressed as ΔHAZ at 2 time points. Multilevel modeling is preferable when more measurements per individual child are available over time. Height velocity z-score reference standards are available for children under the age of 2 years. Adjusting for covariates or confounders (e.g., birth weight, gestational age, sex, parental height, maternal education, socioeconomic status) is recommended in growth analyses. CONCLUSION The most suitable indicator(s) for linear growth can be selected based on the number of available measurements per child and the child's age. By following a step-by-step algorithm, growth analyses can be precisely and accurately performed to allow for improved comparability within and between studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan M. Wit
- Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands,*Jan M. Wit, MD, PhD, Department of Pediatrics, J6S, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, NL-2300RC Leiden (The Netherlands), E-Mail
| | - John H. Himes
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Stef van Buuren
- Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research TNO, Leiden, the Netherlands,Department of Methodology and Statistics, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Donna M. Denno
- Department of Pediatrics and Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Parminder S. Suchdev
- Department of Pediatrics and Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Stobaugh HC, Bollinger LB, Adams SE, Crocker AH, Grise JB, Kennedy JA, Thakwalakwa C, Maleta KM, Dietzen DJ, Manary MJ, Trehan I. Effect of a package of health and nutrition services on sustained recovery in children after moderate acute malnutrition and factors related to sustaining recovery: a cluster-randomized trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2017; 106:657-666. [PMID: 28615258 PMCID: PMC6482975 DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.116.149799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Children who recover from moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) have high rates of relapse in the year after nutritional recovery. Interventions to decrease these adverse outcomes are needed to maximize the overall effectiveness of supplemental feeding programs (SFPs).Objective: We evaluated the effectiveness of a package of health and nutrition interventions on improving the proportion of children who sustained recovery for 1 y after MAM treatment. We further explored factors related to sustained recovery.Design: We conducted a cluster-randomized clinical effectiveness trial involving rural Malawian children aged 6-62 mo who were enrolled on discharge from an SFP for MAM. We enrolled 718 children at 10 control sites and 769 children at 11 intervention sites. In addition to routine health and nutrition counseling, the intervention group received a package of health and nutrition interventions that consisted of a lipid nutrient supplement, deworming medication, zinc supplementation, a bed net, and malaria chemoprophylaxis. A survival analysis was used to determine the effectiveness of the intervention as well as to identify factors associated with sustained recovery.Results: Of 1383 children who returned for the full 12-mo follow-up period, 407 children (56%) and 347 children (53%) sustained recovery in the intervention and control groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in relapse-free survival curves between the treatment and control groups (P = 0.380; log-rank test). The risk factors for relapse or death after initial recovery were a smaller midupper arm circumference on SFP admission (P = 0.01) and discharge (P < 0.001), a lower weight-for-height z score on discharge (P < 0.01), and the receipt of ready-to-use supplementary food as opposed to ready-to-use therapeutic food during treatment (P < 0.05).Conclusion: The provision of a package of health and nutrition services in addition to traditional SFP treatment has no significant effect on improving sustained recovery in children after treatment of MAM. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02351687.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather C Stobaugh
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Lucy B Bollinger
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Sara E Adams
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Audrey H Crocker
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Jennifer B Grise
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Julie A Kennedy
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | | | | | - Dennis J Dietzen
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Mark J Manary
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine and
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; and
| | - Indi Trehan
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO;
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
- Partners In Health, Harper, Liberia
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Assessment of the effectiveness of a small quantity lipid-based nutrient supplement on reducing anaemia and stunting in refugee populations in the Horn of Africa: Secondary data analysis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177556. [PMID: 28591166 PMCID: PMC5462343 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Stunting and micronutrient malnutrition are persistent public health problems in refugee populations. UNHCR and its partner organisations implement blanket supplementary feeding programmes using a range of special nutritional products as one approach to address these issues. The evidence base for the efficacy and effectiveness of a small quantity lipid-based nutrient supplement, Nutributter®, in reducing stunting and anaemia is limited. Secondary data analysis was used to assess the effectiveness of Nutributter® distribution on anaemia and stunting in children aged 6–23 months (programme target group) and 6–59 months (the standard age group sampled in routine nutrition surveys). Analysis was conducted using routine pre and post-intervention cross-sectional nutrition survey data collected between 2008–2011 in five refugee camps in Kenya and Djibouti. Changes in total anaemia (Haemoglobin<110g/L), anaemia categories (mild, moderate and severe), and stunting (height-for-age z-score <-2) were explored using available data on the Nutributter® programme and contextual factors. A significant reduction in the prevalence of anaemia in children aged 6–23 months and 6–59 months was seen in four of five, and in all five camps, respectively (p<0.05). Reductions ranged from 12.4 to 23.0, and 18.3 to 29.3 percentage points in each age group. Improvements were largely due to reductions in moderate and severe anaemia and occurred where the prevalence of acute malnutrition was stable or increasing. No change in stunting was observed in four of five camps. The replicability of findings across five sites strongly suggests that Nutributter® distribution was associated with a reduction in anaemia, but not stunting, among refugee children in the Horn of Africa. Benefits were not restricted to the 6–23 month target group targeted by the nutrition programme. However, even following this intervention anaemia remained a serious public health problem and additional work to define and evaluate an effective intervention package is warranted.
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Abstract
This article looks at both nutrition and early childhood stimulation interventions as part of an integrated life cycle approach to development. We build on recent systematic reviews of child development, which are comprehensive in regard to what is currently known about outcomes reported in key studies. We then focus particularly on implementation, scaling, and economic returns, drawing mainly on experience in low- and middle-income countries where undernutrition and poor child development remain significant public health challenges with implications across the life course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harold Alderman
- International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC 20006;
| | - Lia Fernald
- Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720;
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Ickes S, Baguma C, Brahe CA, Myhre JA, Bentley ME, Adair LS, Ammerman AS. Maternal participation in a nutrition education program in Uganda is associated with improved infant and young child feeding practices and feeding knowledge: a post-program comparison study. BMC Nutr 2017; 3. [PMID: 31354959 PMCID: PMC6660008 DOI: 10.1186/s40795-017-0140-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cost-effective approaches to improve feeding practices and to reduce undernutrition are needed in low-income countries. Strategies such as nutritional counseling, food supplements, and cash transfers can substantially reduce undernutrition among food-insecure populations. Lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) are an increasingly popular strategy for treating and preventing undernutrition and are often delivered with nutrition education. The post-program effects of participation in a LNS-supported supplemental feeding program on Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices and caregiver child feeding knowledge are not well understood. The objective of this study was to understand whether children’s diet quality and caregiver nutrition knowledge was improved after participation in such a program. Methods We conducted a post-program comparison group study to compare feeding practices and caregiver nutrition knowledge among mother-child dyads who completed a nutrition education program and a community comparison group in western Uganda. We administered a feeding practices survey and two 24-h dietary recalls to 61 Post-Program (PP) caregivers and children ages 6 to 59 months (mean age = 25.1 months) who participated in a supplemental feeding program (which included growth monitoring, caregiver nutrition education, and LNS) and a Comparison Group (CG) of 61 children and caregivers. PP caregivers were recruited 4 to 8 weeks after program participation ended. We hypothesized that PP caregivers would report better IYCF practices and greater knowledge of key nutrition education messages related to IYCF. Results PP children had higher dietary diversity scores (3.0 vs 2.1, p =0.001) than CG children, and were more fed more frequently (3.0 vs 2.1 times per day, p = 0.001). IYCF indicators were higher in the PP group for minimum meal frequency (44.8% vs. 37.9%), minimum dietary diversity (10.3 vs. 3.4%), iron-rich complementary foods (17.2 vs. 20.7%), and minimally acceptable diet (10.3% vs 3.6%), but differences were non-significant. Caregivers in the PP group demonstrated greater knowledge of healthful IYCF practices. Conclusions Nutrition education can be effective to improve caregiver feeding practices and children’s dietary diversity and the frequency by which they are fed. A 10-week nutrition education and supplemental feeding program appears to provide some benefit to children in terms of dietary diversity and frequency of meals, and caregiver knowledge of feeding 1 to 2 months after program completion. However, children in this rural Ugandan region have diets that are still largely inadequate, highlighting the need for enhanced interventions and policies to promote diverse and appropriate diets for young children in this region. Future follow-up work in LNS-supported programs is recommended to understand how other similar approaches influence children's diet quality after program completion in other contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Ickes
- The University of Washington Department of Health Service and Nutritional Sciences, University of Washington School of Public Health, Raitt Hall Box 353410, Seattle, WA 98195-3410, U.S.A
| | - Charles Baguma
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | | | - Margaret E Bentley
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, U.S.A
| | - Linda S Adair
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, U.S.A
| | - Alice S Ammerman
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, U.S.A
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Lipid-based Nutrient Supplements Do Not Affect Gut Bifidobacterium Microbiota in Malawian Infants: A Randomized Trial. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2017; 64:610-615. [PMID: 27403608 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000001333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to assess the effect of nutritional supplementation with lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) and corn-soy blend flour on Bifidobacterium and Staphylococcus aureus gut microbiota composition in Malawian infants. In addition, the microbiota changes over time were characterized in the study infants. METHODS Healthy 6-month-old Malawian infants were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 intervention schemes for a 6-month period. Infants in the control group were not provided with any supplementary food. Infants in other 3 groups received either micronutrient-fortified corn-soy blend, micronutrient-fortified LNS with milk protein base, or micronutrient-fortified LNS with soy protein base between 6 and 12 months of age. Fecal bifidobacteria and S aureus gut microbiota at 6 and 12 months of age were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction method. RESULTS There was no difference in change in bacterial prevalence or counts between the intervention groups during the 6-month study period. When looking at the total study population, higher counts of total bacteria (P = 0.028), Bifidobacterium genus (P = 0.027), B catenulatum (P = 0.031), and lower counts of B infantis (P < 0.001), B lactis (P < 0.001), B longum (P < 0.001), and S aureus (P < 0.001) were detected in the children's stools at 12 months rather than at 6 months of age. CONCLUSIONS The dietary supplementation did not have an effect on the Bifidobacterium and S aureus microbiota composition of the study infants. The fecal bifidobacterial diversity of the infants, however, changed toward a more adult-like microbiota profile within the observed time.
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Provision of preventive lipid-based nutrient supplements given with complementary foods to infants and young children 6 to 23 months of age for health, nutrition, and developmental outcomes. Hippokratia 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Das JK, Salam RA, Weise Prinzo Z, Hoodbhoy Z, Bhutta ZA. Lipid-based nutrient supplements for pregnant women and their impact on pregnancy, birth, and infant developmental outcomes in stable and emergency settings. Hippokratia 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jai K Das
- Aga Khan University Hospital; Division of Women and Child Health; Stadium Road PO Box 3500 Karachi Sind Pakistan
| | - Rehana A Salam
- Aga Khan University Hospital; Division of Women and Child Health; Stadium Road PO Box 3500 Karachi Sind Pakistan
| | - Zita Weise Prinzo
- World Health Organization; Department of Nutrition for Health and Development; Avenue Appia 20 Geneva GE Switzerland 1211
| | - Zahra Hoodbhoy
- Aga Khan University Hospital; Division of Women and Child Health; Stadium Road PO Box 3500 Karachi Sind Pakistan
| | - Zulfiqar A Bhutta
- Hospital for Sick Children; Centre for Global Child Health; Toronto ON Canada M5G A04
- Aga Khan University Hospital; Centre for Excellence in Women and Child Health; Stadium Road PO Box 3500 Karachi Pakistan 74800
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Abstract
The prevalence of stunting remains high in low- and middle-income countries despite adoption of comprehensive nutrition interventions, particularly in low-income countries. In the present paper, we review current evidence on the acceptability and efficacy of small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) on preventing stunting in children under 2 years, discuss the factors that affect their efficacy, highlight the implications of the current findings at pragmatic level and identify research priorities. Although the present paper is not a generic systematic review, we used a systematic approach to select relevant literature. The review showed that there is growing interest in the potential benefits of using SQ-LNS to prevent growth faltering. Acceptability studies showed that SQ-LNS are generally well accepted. However, results on the efficacy of SQ-LNS on improving linear growth or preventing growth faltering in infants and young children are still inconclusive. Factors that may affect efficacy include the duration of the trial, composition and dosage of SQ-LNS given, and baseline demographics and nutritional status of research participants. Future research should focus on controlled and long-term follow-up trials to obtain more conclusive results. In the long term, there will be need for studies to investigate how provision of SQ-LNS can be integrated with existing strategies to prevent stunting in low- and middle-income settings.
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Nutrition, infection and stunting: the roles of deficiencies of individual nutrients and foods, and of inflammation, as determinants of reduced linear growth of children. Nutr Res Rev 2017; 30:50-72. [PMID: 28112064 DOI: 10.1017/s0954422416000238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The regulation of linear growth by nutritional and inflammatory influences is examined in terms of growth-plate endochondral ossification, in order to better understand stunted growth in children. Linear growth is controlled by complex genetic, physiological, and nutrient-sensitive endocrine/paracrine/autocrine mediated molecular signalling mechanisms, possibly including sleep adequacy through its influence on growth hormone secretion. Inflammation, which accompanies most infections and environmental enteric dysfunction, inhibits endochondral ossification through the action of mediators including proinflammatory cytokines, the activin A-follistatin system, glucocorticoids and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). In animal models linear growth is particularly sensitive to dietary protein as well as Zn intake, which act through insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and its binding proteins, triiodothyronine, amino acids and Zn2+ to stimulate growth-plate protein and proteoglycan synthesis and cell cycle progression, actions which are blocked by corticosteroids and inflammatory cytokines. Observational human studies indicate stunting to be associated with nutritionally poor, mainly plant-based diets. Intervention studies provide some support for deficiencies of energy, protein, Zn and iodine and for multiple micronutrient deficiencies, at least during pregnancy. Of the animal-source foods, only milk has been specifically and repeatedly shown to exert an important influence on linear growth in both undernourished and well-nourished children. However, inflammation, caused by infections, environmental enteric dysfunction, which may be widespread in the absence of clean water, adequate sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and endogenous inflammation associated with excess adiposity, in each case contributes to stunting, and may explain why nutritional interventions are often unsuccessful. Current interventions to reduce stunting are targeting WASH as well as nutrition.
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Kodish SR, Aburto NJ, Nseluke Hambayi M, Dibari F, Gittelsohn J. Patterns and determinants of small-quantity LNS utilization in rural Malawi and Mozambique: considerations for interventions with specialized nutritious foods. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2017; 13:10.1111/mcn.12234. [PMID: 26787342 PMCID: PMC6866246 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.12234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Revised: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Small-quantity, lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) show promise to improve the quality of maternal and child diets, particularly during the first 1000 days of life. The potential of SQ-LNS to impact positively upon nutritional status relies on numerous factors, including complementary dietary intake, disease prevalence and dynamics of household utilization, including sharing practices. Therefore, this study sought to elucidate the patterns and determinants of SQ-LNS utilization among children 6-23 months and potential sharing practices of other household members prior to intervention development. In Ntchisi, Malawi and Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, both rural, agricultural settings, we conducted two home-feeding trials of 8 and 6 weeks, respectively, nested within a larger multi-phase, emergent formative research design. Multiple methods, including in-depth interviews (n = 38), direct meal observations (n = 80), full-day child observations (n = 38) and spot checks of SQ-LNS supply (n = 23), were conducted with households (n = 35 in Malawi; n = 24 in Mozambique). Overall, the SQ-LNS was utilized contrary to its recommended use, with 50% of households in Malawi reporting running out of stock too early and 87% of households in Mozambique either overusing or underusing the product. Utilization of SQ-LNS was manifested in four patterns of overuse and two of underuse and was determined by factors at multiple levels of influence. Maternal and child health efforts need to consider the reasons behind choices by households to overuse or underuse SQ-LNS and design intervention strategies to increase the likelihood of its appropriate utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen R. Kodish
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthDepartment of International HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | | | | | | | - Joel Gittelsohn
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthDepartment of International HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
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Flax VL, Siega-Riz AM, Reinhart GA, Bentley ME. Provision of lipid-based nutrient supplements to Honduran children increases their dietary macro- and micronutrient intake without displacing other foods. MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION 2016; 11 Suppl 4:203-13. [PMID: 25819697 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.12182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Inadequate energy intake and poor diet quality are important causes of chronic child undernutrition. Strategies for improving diet quality using lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) are currently being tested in several countries. To date, information on children's dietary intakes during LNS use is available only from Africa. In this study, we collected 24-h dietary recalls at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months on Honduran children (n = 298) participating in a cluster-randomised trial of LNS. Generalised estimating equations were used to examine differences in number of servings of 12 food groups in the LNS and control arms, and multi-level mixed effects models were used to compare macro- and micronutrient intakes. Models accounted for clustering and adjusted for child's age, season and breastfeeding status. Mean daily servings of 12 food groups did not differ by study arm at baseline and remained similar throughout the study with the exception of groups that were partially or entirely supplied by LNS (nuts and nut butters, fats, and sweets). Baseline intakes of energy, fat, carbohydrates, protein, folate and vitamin A, but not vitamin B12, iron and zinc were lower in the LNS than control arm. The change in all macro- and micronutrients from baseline to each study visit was larger for the LNS arm than the control, except for carbohydrates from baseline to 9 months. These findings indicate that LNS improved the macro- and micronutrient intakes of young non-malnourished Honduran children without replacing other foods in their diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie L Flax
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Anna Maria Siega-Riz
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Greg A Reinhart
- The Mathile Institute for the Advancement of Human Nutrition®, Dayton, Ohio, USA
| | - Margaret E Bentley
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Hotz C, Pelto G, Armar-Klemesu M, Ferguson EF, Chege P, Musinguzi E. Constraints and opportunities for implementing nutrition-specific, agricultural and market-based approaches to improve nutrient intake adequacy among infants and young children in two regions of rural Kenya. MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION 2016; 11 Suppl 3:39-54. [PMID: 26778801 PMCID: PMC5066664 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.12245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Revised: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Several types of interventions can be used to improve nutrient intake adequacy in infant and young child (IYC) diets, including fortified foods, home fortification, nutrition education and behaviour change communication (BCC) in addition to agricultural and market‐based strategies. However, the appropriate selection of interventions depends on the social, cultural, physical and economic context of the population. Derived from two rural Kenyan populations, this analysis combined information from: (1) a quantitative analysis to derive a set of food‐based recommendations (FBRs) to fill nutrient intake gaps in IYC diets and identify ‘problem nutrients’ for which intake gaps require solutions beyond currently available foods and dietary patterns, and (2) an ethnographic qualitative analysis to identify contextual factors posing opportunities or constraints to implementing the FBRs, including perceptions of cost, convenience, accessibility and appropriateness of the recommended foods for IYC diets and other social or physical factors that determine accessibility of those foods. Opportunities identified included BCC to increase the acceptability and utilisation of green leafy vegetables (GLV) and small fish and agronomic interventions to increase the productivity of GLV and millet. Value chains for millet, beans, GLV, milk and small fish should be studied for opportunities to increase their accessibility in local markets. Processor‐level interventions, such as partially cooked fortified dry porridge mixes or unfortified cereal mixes incorporating millet and beans, may increase the accessibility of foods that provide increased amounts of the problem nutrients. Multi‐sectoral actors and community stakeholders should be engaged to assess the feasibility of implementing these locally appropriate strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gretel Pelto
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | - Enock Musinguzi
- Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Naroibi, Kenya
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