1
|
Mbabazi J, Pesu H, Mutumba R, Bromley K, Ritz C, Filteau S, Briend A, Mupere E, Grenov B, Friis H, Olsen MF. Correlates of early child development among children with stunting: A cross-sectional study in Uganda. Matern Child Nutr 2024; 20:e13619. [PMID: 38291803 PMCID: PMC10981482 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Many children in low- and middle-income countries are not attaining their developmental potential. Stunting is associated with poor child development, but it is not known which correlates of stunting are impairing child development. We explored potential socioeconomic, nutritional, clinical, and household correlates of early child development among 12-59-month-old children with stunting in a cross-sectional study in Uganda. Development was assessed using the Malawi Development Assessment Tool (MDAT) across four domains of gross and fine motor, language, and social skills. Linear regression analysis was used to assess correlates of development in the four domains and total MDAT score. Of 750 children included, the median [interquartile range] age was 30 [23-41] months, 55% of the children resided in rural settings with 21% from female-headed households and 47% of mothers had no schooling. The mean ± standard deviation height-for-age z-score (HAZ) was -3.02 ± 0.74, 40% of the children had a positive malaria test and 65% were anaemic (haemoglobin < 110 g/L). One-third had children's books at home, majority (96%) used household objects to play with and most of them (70%) used toys as pretence items like those to mimic cooking. After age, sex, and site adjustments, HAZ (0.24, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.14-0.33) and head circumference (0.07, 95% CI: 0.02-0.12) were positive correlates of total MDAT score, whereas weight-for-height z-score (WHZ) was not. Current breastfeeding was associated with 0.41 (95% CI: 0.17-0.65) lower total MDAT score. Children from households with a single income earner had 0.22 (95% CI: 0.06-0.37) lower total MDAT score. Furthermore, severe food insecurity, inflammation and positive malaria test were associated with lower scores for motor development. All family care indicator subscales (FCIs) positively correlated with the total MDAT score and this association was independent of household's socioeconomic status. In conclusion, stunting degree, head circumference, number of household income earners and stimulation by improved FCIs correlate with early child development among stunted children. The negative association with prolonged breastfeeding is likely due to reverse causality. Identified correlates may inform initiatives to support children with stunting attain their development potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Mbabazi
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise & SportsUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- Department of Paediatrics and Child HealthMakerere UniversityKampalaUganda
| | - Hannah Pesu
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise & SportsUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Rolland Mutumba
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise & SportsUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- Department of Paediatrics and Child HealthMakerere UniversityKampalaUganda
| | | | - Christian Ritz
- The National Institute of Public HealthSouthern University of DenmarkCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Suzanne Filteau
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population HealthLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - André Briend
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise & SportsUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- Tampere Center for Child Health ResearchUniversity of TampereTampereFinland
| | - Ezekiel Mupere
- Department of Paediatrics and Child HealthMakerere UniversityKampalaUganda
| | - Benedikte Grenov
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise & SportsUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Henrik Friis
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise & SportsUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Mette F. Olsen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise & SportsUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- Department of Infectious DiseasesRigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mutumba R, Pesu H, Mbabazi J, Greibe E, Nexo E, Olsen MF, Briend A, Mølgaard C, Michaelsen KF, Ritz C, Filteau S, Mupere E, Friis H, Grenov B. Effect of lipid-based nutrient supplements on micronutrient status and hemoglobin among children with stunting: secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial in Uganda. Am J Clin Nutr 2024; 119:829-837. [PMID: 38278366 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Micronutrient deficiencies and anemia are widespread among children with stunting. OBJECTIVES We assessed the effects of lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) containing milk protein (MP) and/or whey permeate (WP) on micronutrient status and hemoglobin (Hb) among children with stunting. METHODS This was a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Children aged 12-59 mo with stunting were randomly assigned to LNS (100 g/d) with milk or soy protein and WP or maltodextrin for 12 wk, or no supplement. Hb, serum ferritin (S-FE), serum soluble transferrin receptor (S-TfR), plasma cobalamin (P-Cob), plasma methylmalonic acid (P-MMA), plasma folate (P-Fol), and serum retinol-binding protein (S-RBP) were measured at inclusion and at 12 wk. Data were analyzed using linear and logistic mixed-effects models. RESULTS Among 750 children, with mean age ± SD of 32 ± 11.7 mo, 45% (n = 338) were female and 98% (n = 736) completed follow-up. LNS, compared with no supplementation, resulted in 43% [95% confidence interval (CI): 28, 60] greater increase in S-FE corrected for inflammation (S-FEci), 2.4 (95% CI: 1.2, 3.5) mg/L greater decline in S-TfR, 138 (95% CI: 111, 164) pmol/L greater increase in P-Cob, 33% (95% CI: 27, 39) reduction in P-MMA, and 8.5 (95% CI: 6.6, 10.3) nmol/L greater increase in P-Fol. There was no effect of LNS on S-RBP. Lactation modified the effect of LNS on markers of cobalamin status, reflecting improved status among nonbreastfed and no effects among breastfed children. LNS increased Hb by 3.8 (95% CI: 1.7, 6.0) g/L and reduced the odds of anemia by 55% (odds ratio: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.70). MP compared with soy protein increased S-FEci by 14% (95% CI: 3, 26). CONCLUSIONS LNS supplementation increases Hb and improves iron, cobalamin, and folate status, but not vitamin A status among children with stunting. LNS should be considered for children with stunting. This trial was registered at ISRCTN as 13093195.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rolland Mutumba
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Hannah Pesu
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Joseph Mbabazi
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Eva Greibe
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ebba Nexo
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Mette F Olsen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - André Briend
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Tampere Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Christian Mølgaard
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kim F Michaelsen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Ritz
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Suzanne Filteau
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ezekiel Mupere
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Henrik Friis
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Benedikte Grenov
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pesu H, Mbabazi J, Mutumba R, Savolainen O, Olsen MF, Mølgaard C, Michaelsen KF, Ritz C, Filteau S, Briend A, Mupere E, Friis H, Grenov B. Correlates of Plasma Citrulline, a Potential Marker of Enterocyte Mass, among Children with Stunting: A Cross-Sectional Study in Uganda. J Nutr 2024; 154:765-776. [PMID: 38135004 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) is associated with stunting. Citrulline, produced in mature enterocytes, may be a valuable biomarker of small intestinal enterocyte mass in the context of EED. OBJECTIVES We aimed to explore the correlates of plasma citrulline (p-cit) in children with stunting. METHODS In a cross-sectional study using baseline data from the community-based MAGNUS (milk affecting growth, cognition and the gut in child stunting) trial (ISRCTN13093195), we explored potential correlates of p-cit in Ugandan children with stunting aged 12-59 mo. Using linear regression in univariate and multivariate models, we explored associations with socioeconomics, diet, micronutrient status, and water, sanitation, and hygiene characteristics. The influence of covariates age, fasting, and systemic inflammation were also explored. RESULTS In 750 children, the mean ± standard deviation age was 32.0 ± 11.7 mo, and height-for-age z-score was -3.02 ± 0.74. P-cit, available for 730 children, differed according to time fasted and was 20.7 ± 8.9, 22.3 ± 10.6 and 24.2 ± 13.1 μmol/L if fasted <2, 2-5 and >5 h, respectively. Positive correlates of p-cit were age [0.07; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.001, 0.15 μmol/L] and log10 serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (8.88; 95% CI: 5.09, 12.67 μmol/L). With adjustment for systemic inflammation, the association with serum insulin-like growth factor-1 reduced (4.98; 95% CI: 0.94, 9.03 μmol/L). Negative correlates of p-cit included food insecurity, wet season (-3.12; 95% CI: -4.97, -1.26 μmol/L), serum C-reactive protein (-0.15; 95% CI: -0.20, -0.10 μmol/L), serum α1-acid glycoprotein (-5.34; 95% CI: -6.98, -3.70 μmol/L) and anemia (-1.95; 95% CI: -3.72, -0.18 μmol/L). Among the negatively correlated water, sanitation, and hygiene characteristics was lack of soap for handwashing (-2.53; 95% CI: -4.82, -0.25 μmol/L). Many associations attenuated with adjustment for inflammation. CONCLUSIONS Many of the correlates of p-cit are characteristic of populations with a high EED prevalence. Systemic inflammation is strongly associated with p-cit and is implicated in EED and stunting. Adjustment for systemic inflammation attenuates many associations, reflecting either confounding, mediation, or both. This study highlights the complex interplay between p-cit and systemic inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Pesu
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Joseph Mbabazi
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rolland Mutumba
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Otto Savolainen
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden; Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mette F Olsen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Mølgaard
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kim F Michaelsen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Ritz
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Suzanne Filteau
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - André Briend
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Tampere Centre for Child Health Research, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Ezekiel Mupere
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Henrik Friis
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Benedikte Grenov
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Christensen AJ, Mwayi J, Mbabazi J, Juncker M, Kallestrup P, Kraef C. Fighting cervical cancer in Africa: a cross-sectional study on prevalence and risk factors for precancerous lesions in rural Uganda. Public Health 2023; 225:87-95. [PMID: 37922591 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify risk factors for precancerous cervical lesions and factors associated with treatment delay among women in the rural Busoga Region, Uganda. STUDY DESIGN A retrospective cross-sectional study from a regional cervical cancer screening program and from cervical cancer patients enrolled in a region-wide palliative care program. METHODS Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess risk factors for screening positive for precancerous lesions. In a separate analysis, factors associated with treatment delay were assessed among women enrolled in the palliative care program. RESULTS Three thousand nine hundred forty-six women were included from the screening program and 334 from the palliative care program. In total, 7.6% of screening participants had precancerous lesions. Within Busoga Region, the highest positivity rate was found in Bugweri and Namayingo Districts. Abnormal vaginal bleeding (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.60; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15-2.21; p = 0.005) and older age at first menstrual period (aOR 1.08; 95% CI 1.01-1.16; p = 0.03) were associated with having a precancerous lesion. Among palliative care patients, a history of previous contact with the health care system was associated with a delay in enrolment (≥12 months from first symptom presentation until commencement in palliative care; aOR 5.23; 95% CI 1.16-36.54; p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS The results underline an unmet need for broad-scale cervical cancer screening focusing on all women in the reproductive age. Abnormal bleeding was the only substantial risk factor for precancerous lesions, indicating that specific algorithms to identify high-risk populations may not be applicable in this population. Increased awareness, resources, and funding are still necessary to achieve global cervical cancer elimination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - J Mwayi
- Rays of Hope Hospice Jinja, Uganda
| | | | | | - P Kallestrup
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Denmark; Danish Non-Communicable-Disease Alliance, Denmark
| | - C Kraef
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet Copenhagen, Denmark; Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Germany; Centre of Excellence for Health, Immunity and Infections (CHIP), Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mutumba R, Mbabazi J, Pesu H, Greibe E, Olsen MF, Briend A, Mølgaard C, Ritz C, Mupere E, Filteau S, Friis H, Grenov B. Micronutrient Status and Other Correlates of Hemoglobin among Children with Stunting: A Cross-Sectional Study in Uganda. Nutrients 2023; 15:3785. [PMID: 37686816 PMCID: PMC10489905 DOI: 10.3390/nu15173785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In low-income countries, undernutrition and infections play a major role in childhood anemia. Stunted children may be at particular risk of anemia. In a cross-sectional study nested in a nutrition trial among 12-59-month-old stunted children in eastern Uganda, we measured hemoglobin (Hb) and markers of iron, cobalamin, folate and vitamin A status. We assessed low micronutrient status, socio-demography, stunting severity, inflammation and malaria as correlates of Hb and anemia using linear and logistic regression analyses, respectively. Of 750 stunted children, the mean ± SD age was 32.0 ± 11.7 months and 55% (n = 412) were male. The mean Hb was 104 ± 15 g/L and 65% had anemia, Hb < 110 g/L. In a multivariable model with age, sex and inflammation, the following were associated with lower Hb: serum ferritin < 12 µg/L (-5.6 g/L, 95% CI: -8.6; -2.6), transferrin receptors > 8.3 mg/L (-6.2 g/L, 95% CI: -8.4; -4.0), plasma folate <20 nmol/L (-4.6 g/L, 95% CI: -8.1;-1.1), cobalamin < 222 pmol/L (-3.0 g/L, 95% CI: -5.4; -0.7) and serum retinol-binding protein < 0.7 µmol/L (-2.0 g/L, 95% CI: -4.1; 0.2). In addition, severe stunting, inflammation and malaria were negative correlates. Anemia is common among stunted children in eastern Uganda; micronutrient deficiencies, inflammation and malaria are associated with low Hb.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rolland Mutumba
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (J.M.); (H.P.); (M.F.O.); (A.B.); (C.M.); (H.F.); (B.G.)
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7072, Uganda;
| | - Joseph Mbabazi
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (J.M.); (H.P.); (M.F.O.); (A.B.); (C.M.); (H.F.); (B.G.)
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7072, Uganda;
| | - Hannah Pesu
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (J.M.); (H.P.); (M.F.O.); (A.B.); (C.M.); (H.F.); (B.G.)
| | - Eva Greibe
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark;
| | - Mette F. Olsen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (J.M.); (H.P.); (M.F.O.); (A.B.); (C.M.); (H.F.); (B.G.)
| | - André Briend
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (J.M.); (H.P.); (M.F.O.); (A.B.); (C.M.); (H.F.); (B.G.)
- Tampere Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33100 Tampere, Finland
| | - Christian Mølgaard
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (J.M.); (H.P.); (M.F.O.); (A.B.); (C.M.); (H.F.); (B.G.)
| | - Christian Ritz
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense M, Denmark;
| | - Ezekiel Mupere
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7072, Uganda;
| | - Suzanne Filteau
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK;
| | - Henrik Friis
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (J.M.); (H.P.); (M.F.O.); (A.B.); (C.M.); (H.F.); (B.G.)
| | - Benedikte Grenov
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (J.M.); (H.P.); (M.F.O.); (A.B.); (C.M.); (H.F.); (B.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mutumba R, Pesu H, Mbabazi J, Greibe E, Olsen MF, Briend A, Mølgaard C, Ritz C, Nabukeera-Barungi N, Mupere E, Filteau S, Friis H, Grenov B. Correlates of Iron, Cobalamin, Folate, and Vitamin A Status among Stunted Children: A Cross-Sectional Study in Uganda. Nutrients 2023; 15:3429. [PMID: 37571364 PMCID: PMC10421162 DOI: 10.3390/nu15153429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Micronutrient deficiencies and stunting are prevalent. We assessed correlates of iron, cobalamin, folate, and vitamin A biomarkers in a cross-sectional study of stunted children aged 12-59 months in eastern Uganda. The biomarkers measured were serum ferritin (S-FE), soluble transferrin receptor (S-TfR), retinol binding protein (S-RBP), plasma cobalamin (P-Cob), methylmalonic acid (P-MMA), and folate (P-Fol). Using linear regression, we assessed socio-demography, stunting severity, malaria rapid test, and inflammation as correlates of micronutrient biomarkers. Of the 750 children, the mean (SD) age was 32.0 (11.7) months, and 45% were girls. Iron stores were depleted (inflammation-corrected S-FE < 12 µg/L) in 43%, and 62% had tissue iron deficiency (S-TfR > 8.3 mg/L). P-Cob was low (<148 pmol/L) and marginal (148-221 pmol/L) in 3% and 20%, and 16% had high P-MMA (>0.75 µmol/L). Inflammation-corrected S-RBP was low (<0.7 µmol/L) in 21% and P-Fol (<14 nmol/L) in 1%. Age 24-59 months was associated with higher S-FE and P-Fol and lower S-TfR. Breastfeeding beyond infancy was associated with lower iron status and cobalamin status, and malaria was associated with lower cobalamin status and tissue iron deficiency (higher S-TfR) despite iron sequestration in stores (higher S-FE). In conclusion, stunted children have iron, cobalamin, and vitamin A deficiencies. Interventions addressing stunting should target co-existing micronutrient deficiencies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rolland Mutumba
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (H.P.); (J.M.); (M.F.O.); (C.M.); (H.F.); (B.G.)
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7072, Uganda; (N.N.-B.); (E.M.)
| | - Hannah Pesu
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (H.P.); (J.M.); (M.F.O.); (C.M.); (H.F.); (B.G.)
| | - Joseph Mbabazi
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (H.P.); (J.M.); (M.F.O.); (C.M.); (H.F.); (B.G.)
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7072, Uganda; (N.N.-B.); (E.M.)
| | - Eva Greibe
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark;
| | - Mette F. Olsen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (H.P.); (J.M.); (M.F.O.); (C.M.); (H.F.); (B.G.)
| | - André Briend
- Tampere Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tampere University Hospital, 33520 Tampere, Finland;
| | - Christian Mølgaard
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (H.P.); (J.M.); (M.F.O.); (C.M.); (H.F.); (B.G.)
| | - Christian Ritz
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark;
| | - Nicolette Nabukeera-Barungi
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7072, Uganda; (N.N.-B.); (E.M.)
| | - Ezekiel Mupere
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7072, Uganda; (N.N.-B.); (E.M.)
| | - Suzanne Filteau
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK;
| | - Henrik Friis
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (H.P.); (J.M.); (M.F.O.); (C.M.); (H.F.); (B.G.)
| | - Benedikte Grenov
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (H.P.); (J.M.); (M.F.O.); (C.M.); (H.F.); (B.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mbabazi J, Pesu H, Mutumba R, McCray G, Michaelsen KF, Ritz C, Filteau S, Briend A, Mupere E, Grenov B, Friis H, Olsen MF. Effect of Milk Protein and Whey Permeate in Large-Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplement on Early Child Development among Children with Stunting: A Randomized 2 × 2 Factorial Trial in Uganda. Nutrients 2023; 15:2659. [PMID: 37375563 DOI: 10.3390/nu15122659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Stunting affects 22% children globally, putting them at risk of adverse outcomes including delayed development. We investigated the effect of milk protein (MP) vs. soy and whey permeate (WP) vs. maltodextrin in large-quantity, lipid-based nutrient supplement (LNS), and LNS itself vs. no supplementation, on child development and head circumference among stunted children aged 1-5 years. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, community-based 2 × 2 factorial trial in Uganda (ISRCTN1309319). We randomized 600 children to one of four LNS formulations (~535 kcal/d), with or without MP (n = 299 vs. n = 301) or WP (n = 301 vs. n = 299), for 12 weeks or to no supplementation (n = 150). Child development was assessed using the Malawi Development Assessment Tool. Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. Children had a median [interquartile range] age of 30 [23; 41] months and mean ± standard deviation height-for-age z-score of -3.02 ± 0.74. There were no interactions between MP and WP for any of the outcomes. There was no effect of either MP or WP on any developmental domain. Although LNS itself had no impact on development, it resulted in 0.07 (95%CI: 0.004; 0.14) cm higher head circumference. Neither dairy in LNS, nor LNS in itself, had an effect on development among already stunted children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Mbabazi
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7072, Uganda
| | - Hannah Pesu
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Rolland Mutumba
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7072, Uganda
| | - Gareth McCray
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, UK
| | - Kim F Michaelsen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Christian Ritz
- The National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark
| | - Suzanne Filteau
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - André Briend
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
- Tampere Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere University Hospital, 33520 Tampere, Finland
| | - Ezekiel Mupere
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7072, Uganda
| | - Benedikte Grenov
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Henrik Friis
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Mette Frahm Olsen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mbabazi J, Pesu H, Mutumba R, Filteau S, Lewis JI, Wells JC, Olsen MF, Briend A, Michaelsen KF, Mølgaard C, Ritz C, Nabukeera-Barungi N, Mupere E, Friis H, Grenov B. Effect of milk protein and whey permeate in large quantity lipid-based nutrient supplement on linear growth and body composition among stunted children: A randomized 2 × 2 factorial trial in Uganda. PLoS Med 2023; 20:e1004227. [PMID: 37220111 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite possible benefits for growth, milk is costly to include in foods for undernourished children. Furthermore, the relative effects of different milk components, milk protein (MP), and whey permeate (WP) are unclear. We aimed to assess the effects of MP and WP in lipid-based nutrient supplement (LNS), and of LNS itself, on linear growth and body composition among stunted children. METHODS AND FINDINGS We performed a randomized, double-blind, 2 × 2 factorial trial among 12 to 59 months old stunted children in Uganda. Children were randomized to 4 formulations of LNS with MP or soy protein isolate and WP or maltodextrin (100 g/day for 12 weeks) or no supplementation. Investigators and outcome assessors were blinded; however, participants were only blinded to the ingredients in LNS. Data were analyzed based on intention-to-treat (ITT) using linear mixed-effects models adjusted for age, sex, season, and site. Primary outcomes were change in height and knee-heel length, and secondary outcomes included body composition by bioimpedance analysis (ISRCTN13093195). Between February and September 2020, we enrolled 750 children with a median age of 30 (interquartile range 23 to 41) months, with mean (± standard deviation) height-for-age z-score (HAZ) -3.02 ± 0.74 and 12.7% (95) were breastfed. The 750 children were randomized to LNS (n = 600) with or without MP (n = 299 versus n = 301) and WP (n = 301 versus n = 299), or no supplementation (n = 150); 736 (98.1%), evenly distributed between groups, completed 12-week follow-up. Eleven serious adverse events occurred in 10 (1.3%) children, mainly hospitalization with malaria and anemia, all deemed unrelated to the intervention. Unsupplemented children had 0.06 (95% confidence interval, CI [0.02, 0.10]; p = 0.015) decline in HAZ, accompanied by 0.29 (95% CI [0.20, 0.39]; p < 0.001) kg/m2 increase in fat mass index (FMI), but 0.06 (95% CI [-0.002; 0.12]; p = 0.057) kg/m2 decline in fat-free mass index (FFMI). There were no interactions between MP and WP. The main effects of MP were 0.03 (95% CI [-0.10, 0.16]; p = 0.662) cm in height and 0.2 (95% CI [-0.3, 0.7]; p = 0.389) mm in knee-heel length. The main effects of WP were -0.08 (95% CI [-0.21, 0.05]; p = 220) cm and -0.2 (95% CI [-0.7; 0.3]; p = 403) mm, respectively. Interactions were found between WP and breastfeeding with respect to linear growth (p < 0.02), due to positive effects among breastfed and negative effects among non-breastfed children. Overall, LNS resulted in 0.56 (95% CI [0.42, 0.70]; p < 0.001) cm height increase, corresponding to 0.17 (95% CI [0.13, 0.21]; p < 0.001) HAZ increase, and 0.21 (95% CI [0.14, 0.28]; p < 0.001) kg weight increase, of which 76.5% (95% CI [61.9; 91.1]) was fat-free mass. Using height-adjusted indicators, LNS increased FFMI (0.07 kg/m2, 95% CI [0.0001; 0.13]; p = 0.049), but not FMI (0.01 kg/m2, 95% CI [-0.10, 0.12]; p = 0.800). Main limitations were lack of blinding of caregivers and short study duration. CONCLUSIONS Adding dairy to LNS has no additional effects on linear growth or body composition in stunted children aged 12 to 59 months. However, supplementation with LNS, irrespective of milk, supports linear catch-up growth and accretion of fat-free mass, but not fat mass. If left untreated, children already on a stunting trajectory gain fat at the expense of fat-free mass, thus nutrition programs to treat such children should be considered. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN13093195.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Mbabazi
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Hannah Pesu
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rolland Mutumba
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Suzanne Filteau
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jack I Lewis
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonathan C Wells
- Childhood Nutrition Research Centre, Population Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mette F Olsen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - André Briend
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Tampere Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Kim F Michaelsen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Mølgaard
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Ritz
- The National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Ezekiel Mupere
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Henrik Friis
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Benedikte Grenov
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Pesu H, Mutumba R, Mbabazi J, Olsen MF, Mølgaard C, Michaelsen KF, Ritz C, Filteau S, Briend A, Mupere E, Friis H, Grenov B. The Role of Milk Protein and Whey Permeate in Lipid-based Nutrient Supplements on the Growth and Development of Stunted Children in Uganda: A Randomized Trial Protocol (MAGNUS). Curr Dev Nutr 2021; 5:nzab067. [PMID: 34027295 PMCID: PMC8128719 DOI: 10.1093/cdn/nzab067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stunting is associated with cognitive impairment and later chronic disease. Previous trials to prevent stunting have had little effect, and no trials seem to have provided larger amounts of energy and high-quality proteins to already stunted children. We aimed to assess the effects of milk protein (MP) and whey permeate (WP) in large-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS-LQ), among stunted children, on linear growth and child development. This was a randomized, double-blind, 2-by-2 factorial trial. Stunted children aged 12-59 mo from eastern Uganda (n = 750) were randomly assigned to receive 100 g LNS-LQ with or without MP and WP (n = 4 × 150) or no supplement (n = 150) for 3 mo. The primary outcomes were change in knee-heel and total length. Secondary outcomes included child development, body composition, anthropometry, and hemoglobin. Micronutrient status, intestinal function, and microbiota were also assessed. Our findings will contribute to an understanding of the role of milk ingredients and LNS in linear catch-up growth. This trial was registered at www.isrctn.com as ISRCTN13093195.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Pesu
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rolland Mutumba
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph Mbabazi
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mette F Olsen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Mølgaard
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kim F Michaelsen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Ritz
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Suzanne Filteau
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - André Briend
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Tampere Centre for Child Health Research, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Ezekiel Mupere
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Henrik Friis
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Benedikte Grenov
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
McPherson D, Balisanga H, Mbabazi J. Bridging the accountability divide: Male circumcision planning in Rwanda
as a case study in how to merge divergent operational planning approaches in
global health. Ann Glob Health 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aogh.2014.08.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
|
11
|
Mbabazi J. P5-S2.03 Phase 1 implementation of male circumcision as a comprehensive package of HIV prevention in Rwanda. Br J Vener Dis 2011. [DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2011-050108.535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
|
12
|
Mbabazi J. P5-S2.01 Survey on knowledge, attitude and practices on male circumcision in Rwanda. Br J Vener Dis 2011. [DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2011-050108.534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|