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A fortified corn/soy atole increases growth, decreases morbidity and improves nutritional status in urban Guatemalan toddlers and young children
Author(s) -
Reinhart Gregory Allen,
Villanueva Lisa Maria
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.1031.6
Subject(s) - medicine , micronutrient , fortification , anthropometry , vitamin , malnutrition , ascorbic acid , prospective cohort study , incidence (geometry) , pediatrics , vitamin b12 , zoology , food science , biology , physics , pathology , optics
This study assessed growth, morbidity and nutritional biomarkers in toddlers and children receiving multiple micronutrients via a fortified corn/soy atole. Children 6–72 mo of age, n=1003, from six municipal nurseries in Guatemala City, GT were enrolled in a prospective, longitudinal study. Five d/wk for 10 mo children received Chispuditos®, a corn/soy atole beverage mix (18.8 g blended in 227 ml heated liquid), under the supervision of nursery staff. Chispuditos was fortified with 21 vitamins/minerals and provided 12 mg iron and 9 mg zinc per serving. Anthropometric data and morbidity were monitored every 2 mo and fasting venous blood samples obtained at baseline and end line. Growth rates increased (P<0.05) across all age groups (58% for children 6–23 mo, 87% 24–35 mo, 69% 36–59 mo, 80% 60–72 mo) when compared to similar aged children in the same nurseries the prior yr. After 10 mo the incidence of acute diarrhea and acute respiratory infections were lowered (61% and 71% decrease, respectively, p<0.05). End line hemoglobin, iron, transferrin, folic acid and vitamin B12 increased (P<.0.05) vs baseline. Zinc, ferritin and C‐reactive protein did not change. We conclude that Chispuditos is a culturally acceptable mechanism to provide multiple micronutrients and improve health and nutritional status in malnourished Guatemalan children. Supported by the Mathile Institute for the Advancement of Human Nutrition®.