Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
British Journal of Nutrition. 13 February 2025; Volume 133 (Issue 4); 481-490.; DOI:10.1017/S0007114525000212
Helt TW, Cichon B, Fabiansen C, Iuel-Brockdorff AS, Yaméogo CW, et al.
British Journal of Nutrition. 13 February 2025; Volume 133 (Issue 4); 481-490.; DOI:10.1017/S0007114525000212
Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is an important growth factor in childhood. We aimed to investigate the impact of food supplements for the treatment of moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) on serum IGF-1 (sIGF-1). Secondary analysis of a randomised 2 × 2 × 3 factorial nutrition trial was performed. Children aged 6–23 months with MAM received 2093 kJ/d as lipid-based nutrient supplement (LNS) or corn soy blend (CSB), containing either dehulled soya or soya isolate and different quantities of dried skimmed milk (0 %, 20 % or 50 % of total protein) for 12 weeks. The trial was double-blind with regard to soya and milk but not to matrix (LNS v. CSB). sIGF-1 was measured at inclusion and after 12 weeks of supplementation. Of 1609 children enrolled, 1455 (90 %) had sIGF-1 measured at both time points. During supplementation, sIGF-1 increased 6·7 (95 % CI 6·1, 7·3) ng/ml compared with an expected age-dependent decrease of 0·3 (95 % CI 0·2, 0·4) ng/ml. Children who received LNS v. CSB had a lower increase in sIGF-1 (–8 %, 95 % CI − 12, −3). The effect of LNS was partly attenuated when sIGF-1 was corrected for inflammation. Children who received soya isolate compared with dehulled soya had a higher increase in sIGF-1 (6 %, 95 % CI 1, 12). Milk content did not affect sIGF-1. Overall, sIGF-1 increased during supplementation. The lower increase with LNS v. CSB was only partly explained by increased inflammation with LNS and needs further investigation. Isolate v. dehulled soya led to a higher increase which may be due to antinutrients in dehulled soya.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
British Journal of Nutrition. 13 February 2025; Online ahead of print; 1-22.; DOI:10.1017/S0007114525000212
Helt TW, Cichon B, Fabiansen C, Iuel-Brockdorff AS, Yaméogo CW, et al.
British Journal of Nutrition. 13 February 2025; Online ahead of print; 1-22.; DOI:10.1017/S0007114525000212
Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is an important growth factor in childhood. We aimed to investigate the impact of food supplements for treatment of moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) on serum IGF-1 (sIGF-1). Secondary analysis of a randomized 2×2×3 factorial nutrition trial was performed. Children aged 6-23 months with MAM received 2093 kJ/day as lipid-based nutrient supplement (LNS) or corn-soy blend (CSB), containing either dehulled soy or soy isolate and different quantities of dried skimmed milk (0%, 20% or 50% of total protein) for 12 weeks. The trial was double-blind with regard to soy and milk, but not to matrix (LNS vs. CSB). sIGF-1 was measured at inclusion and after 12 weeks supplementation. Of 1609 children enrolled, 1455 (90%) had sIGF-1 measured at both time points. During supplementation sIGF-1 increased 6.7 (95%CI 6.1; 7.3) ng/ml compared with an expected age-dependent decrease of 0.3 (95%CI 0.2; 0.4) ng/ml. Children who received LNS vs. CSB had lower increase in sIGF-1 (-8%, 95%CI -12; -3). The effect of LNS was partly attenuated when sIGF-1 was corrected for inflammation. Children who received soy isolate compared with dehulled soy had higher increase in sIGF-1 (6%, 95%CI 1; 12). Milk content did not affect sIGF-1. Overall, sIGF-1 increased during supplementation. The lower increase with LNS vs. CSB was only partly explained by increased inflammation with LNS, and needs further investigation. Isolate vs. dehulled soy led to a higher increase which may be due to antinutrients in dehulled soy.
Conference Material > Poster
Helt TW, Grenov B, Yaméogo CW, Fabiansen C, Iuel-Brockdorff AS, et al.
MSF Paediatric Days 2022. 30 November 2022; DOI:10.57740/28hz-s155
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Appetite. 2 January 2016; Volume 99; DOI:10.1016/j.appet.2015.12.030
Iuel-Brockdorf AS, Draebel TA, Ritz C, Fabiansen C, Cichon B, et al.
Appetite. 2 January 2016; Volume 99; DOI:10.1016/j.appet.2015.12.030
The objective of this study was to evaluate, within the context of a randomized controlled trial of product effectiveness, the acceptability of new formulations of six corn-soy blended flours (CSB) and six lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) with different quantities of milk and qualities of soy for the treatment of children with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM). Our study included 1546 children aged 6-23 months and involved questionnaires after one month of supplementation home visits and interviews with a sub-sample of 20 trial participants and their caretakers, and nine focus group discussion. All 12 products were well accepted in terms of organoleptic qualities and received good ratings. However, LNS were more appreciated by caretakers and children. Additionally, an effect of soy isolate was detected on child appreciation where products with high milk content also received better ratings. CSB were not consumed as readily; 33.9% (n = 257) of children receiving CSB were reported to have leftovers compared to 17.3% (n = 134) of children receiving LNS (p=<0.001). Both CSB and LNS were referred to as foods with medicinal properties and perceived as beneficial to child health. They were both reported to have high priority in the daily feeding of the child. In conclusion, there were minimal differences in acceptability of the various CSB and LNS formulations, although CSB were less readily consumed and required smaller meal volumes. Since all products were well-accepted, decisions regarding whether the more expensive products should be used for the treatment of MAM will need to be based on their effect on child nutrition, growth and health. Future supplementary feeding programs in similar contexts could furthermore consider introducing supplementary foods as a medical treatment, as this may increase adherence and decrease sharing.
Journal Article > ResearchAbstract Only
Appetite. 1 August 2015; Volume 91; 278-286.; DOI:10.1016/j.appet.2015.04.058
Iuel-Brockdorf AS, Dræbel T, Fabiansen C, Cichon B, Christensen VB, et al.
Appetite. 1 August 2015; Volume 91; 278-286.; DOI:10.1016/j.appet.2015.04.058
The objective of this study was to evaluate the acceptability of new formulations of six corn-soy blended flours (CSB) and six lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) with different quantities of milk and qualities of soy to be used for the treatment of moderate acute malnutrition (MAM). Furthermore, we wanted to explore the acceptability of foods currently used for the prevention and treatment of malnutrition in Burkina Faso to identify possible barriers that could affect the acceptability of the new formulations of supplementary foods. The study was carried out prior to a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of these new formulations. The study involved an observed test-meal and a three-day take-home ration of the experimental food supplements to 6-30-months-old healthy children, followed by questionnaire-based interviews about the acceptability of these supplements. Interviews and focus group discussions were carried out to explore the acceptability of foods currently used for the prevention and treatment of malnutrition. The results suggest that both LNS and CSB products with different quantities of milk and qualities of soy are equally well accepted among healthy children in rural Burkina Faso based on general appreciation of the supplements and organoleptic properties. All experimental foods received good ratings and there was no significant difference between the foods. However, after the take-home ration, 58% of participants receiving CSB reported having left-overs at the end of the day compared to 37% (n=33) of the participants receiving LNS (p=0.004), suggesting that CSB was not as readily consumed as LNS. Yet, both CSB and LNS products were perceived as easy to administer and the frequency of feeding was estimated to be adequate. The study also found that similar foods, used for the prevention and treatment of malnutrition, were well appreciated in the study location. LNS were to a higher degree associated with medicine or foods with medicinal properties, but both LNS and CSB were perceived as beneficial to child health.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
PLOS Med. 11 September 2017; Volume 14 (Issue 9); DOI:10.1371/journal.pmed.1002387
Fabiansen C, Yameogo CW, Iuel-Brockdorf AS, Cichon B, Rytter MJH, et al.
PLOS Med. 11 September 2017; Volume 14 (Issue 9); DOI:10.1371/journal.pmed.1002387
Children with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) are treated with lipid-based nutrient supplement (LNS) or corn-soy blend (CSB). We assessed the effectiveness of (a) matrix, i.e., LNS or CSB, (b) soy quality, i.e., soy isolate (SI) or dehulled soy (DS), and (c) percentage of total protein from dry skimmed milk, i.e., 0%, 20%, or 50%, in increasing fat-free tissue accretion.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Sci Rep. 6 August 2020; Volume 10 (Issue 1); DOI:10.1038/s41598-020-69987-9
Fabiansen C, Cichon B, Yaméogo CW, Iuel-Brockdorf AS, Phelan KPQ, et al.
Sci Rep. 6 August 2020; Volume 10 (Issue 1); DOI:10.1038/s41598-020-69987-9
Children with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) are treated based on low weight-for-length z-score (WLZ), low mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) or both. This study aimed to assess associations of admission criteria and body composition (BC), to improve treatment of MAM. We undertook a cross-sectional study among 6-23 months old Burkinabe children with MAM. Fat-free (FFM) and fat mass (FM) were determined by deuterium dilution and expressed as FFM (FFMI) and FM index (FMI). Of 1,489 children, 439 (29.5%) were recruited by low MUAC only (MUAC-O), 734 (49.3%) by low WLZ and low MUAC (WLZ-MUAC) and 316 (21.2%) by low WLZ only (WLZ-O). Thus, 1,173 (78.8%) were recruited by low MUAC, with or without low WLZ (ALL-MUAC). After adjustments, WLZ-O had 89 g (95% confidence interval (CI) 5; 172) lower FFM compared to MUAC-O. Similarly, WLZ-O had 0.89 kg/m2 (95% CI 0.77; 1.01) lower FFMI compared to MUAC-O, whereas there was no difference for FMI. However, boys included by WLZ-O compared to MUAC-O had 0.21 kg/m2 (95% CI 0.05; 0.38) higher FMI. In contrast, girls included by WLZ-O had 0.17 (95% CI 0.01; 0.33) kg/m2 lower FMI compared to MUAC-O (interaction, p = 0.002). We found that different criteria for admission into MAM treatment programmes select children with differences in BC, especially FFMI.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
PLOS Med. 23 December 2020; Volume 17 (Issue 12); e1003442.; DOI:10.1371/journal.pmed.1003442
Olsen MF, Iuel-Brockdorf AS, Yaméogo CW, Cichon B, Fabiansen C, et al.
PLOS Med. 23 December 2020; Volume 17 (Issue 12); e1003442.; DOI:10.1371/journal.pmed.1003442
BACKGROUND
Lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) and corn–soy blends (CSBs) with varying soy and milk content are used in treatment of moderate acute malnutrition (MAM). We assessed the impact of these supplements on child development.
METHODS AND FINDINGS
We conducted a randomised 2 × 2 × 3 factorial trial to assess the effectiveness of 12 weeks’ supplementation with LNS or CSB, with either soy isolate or dehulled soy, and either 0%, 20%, or 50% of protein from milk, on child development among 6–23-month-old children with MAM. Recruitment took place at 5 health centres in Province du Passoré, Burkina Faso between September 2013 and August 2014. The study was fully blinded with respect to soy quality and milk content, while study participants were not blinded with respect to matrix. This analysis presents secondary trial outcomes: Gross motor, fine motor, and language development were assessed using the Malawi Development Assessment Tool (MDAT). Of 1,609 children enrolled, 54.7% were girls, and median age was 11.3 months (interquartile range [IQR] 8.2–16.0). Twelve weeks follow-up was completed by 1,548 (96.2%), and 24 weeks follow-up was completed by 1,503 (93.4%); follow-up was similar between randomised groups. During the study, 4 children died, and 102 children developed severe acute malnutrition (SAM). There was no difference in adverse events between randomised groups. At 12 weeks, the mean MDAT z-scores in the whole cohort had increased by 0.33 (95% CI: 0.28, 0.37), p < 0.001 for gross motor; 0.26 (0.20, 0.31), p < 0.001 for fine motor; and 0.14 (0.09, 0.20), p < 0.001 for language development. Children had larger improvement in language z-scores if receiving supplements with milk (20%: 0.09 [−0.01, 0.19], p = 0.08 and 50%: 0.11 [0.01, 0.21], p = 0.02), although the difference only reached statistical significance for 50% milk. Post hoc analyses suggested that this effect was specific to boys (interaction p = 0.02). The fine motor z-scores were also improved in children receiving milk, but only when 20% milk was added to CSB (0.18 [0.03, 0.33], p = 0.02). Soy isolate over dehulled soy increased language z-scores by 0.07 (−0.01, 0.15), p = 0.10, although not statistically significant. Post hoc analyses suggested that LNS benefited gross motor development among boys more than did CSB (interaction p = 0.04). Differences between supplement groups did not persist at 24 weeks, but MDAT z-scores continued to increase post-supplementation. The lack of an unsupplemented control group limits us from determining the overall effects of nutritional supplementation for children with MAM.
CONCLUSIONS
In this study, we found that child development improved during and after supplementation for treatment of MAM. Milk protein was beneficial for language and fine motor development, while suggested benefits related to soy quality and supplement matrix merit further investigation. Supplement-specific effects were not found post-intervention, but z-scores continued to improve, suggesting a sustained overall effect of supplementation.
Lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) and corn–soy blends (CSBs) with varying soy and milk content are used in treatment of moderate acute malnutrition (MAM). We assessed the impact of these supplements on child development.
METHODS AND FINDINGS
We conducted a randomised 2 × 2 × 3 factorial trial to assess the effectiveness of 12 weeks’ supplementation with LNS or CSB, with either soy isolate or dehulled soy, and either 0%, 20%, or 50% of protein from milk, on child development among 6–23-month-old children with MAM. Recruitment took place at 5 health centres in Province du Passoré, Burkina Faso between September 2013 and August 2014. The study was fully blinded with respect to soy quality and milk content, while study participants were not blinded with respect to matrix. This analysis presents secondary trial outcomes: Gross motor, fine motor, and language development were assessed using the Malawi Development Assessment Tool (MDAT). Of 1,609 children enrolled, 54.7% were girls, and median age was 11.3 months (interquartile range [IQR] 8.2–16.0). Twelve weeks follow-up was completed by 1,548 (96.2%), and 24 weeks follow-up was completed by 1,503 (93.4%); follow-up was similar between randomised groups. During the study, 4 children died, and 102 children developed severe acute malnutrition (SAM). There was no difference in adverse events between randomised groups. At 12 weeks, the mean MDAT z-scores in the whole cohort had increased by 0.33 (95% CI: 0.28, 0.37), p < 0.001 for gross motor; 0.26 (0.20, 0.31), p < 0.001 for fine motor; and 0.14 (0.09, 0.20), p < 0.001 for language development. Children had larger improvement in language z-scores if receiving supplements with milk (20%: 0.09 [−0.01, 0.19], p = 0.08 and 50%: 0.11 [0.01, 0.21], p = 0.02), although the difference only reached statistical significance for 50% milk. Post hoc analyses suggested that this effect was specific to boys (interaction p = 0.02). The fine motor z-scores were also improved in children receiving milk, but only when 20% milk was added to CSB (0.18 [0.03, 0.33], p = 0.02). Soy isolate over dehulled soy increased language z-scores by 0.07 (−0.01, 0.15), p = 0.10, although not statistically significant. Post hoc analyses suggested that LNS benefited gross motor development among boys more than did CSB (interaction p = 0.04). Differences between supplement groups did not persist at 24 weeks, but MDAT z-scores continued to increase post-supplementation. The lack of an unsupplemented control group limits us from determining the overall effects of nutritional supplementation for children with MAM.
CONCLUSIONS
In this study, we found that child development improved during and after supplementation for treatment of MAM. Milk protein was beneficial for language and fine motor development, while suggested benefits related to soy quality and supplement matrix merit further investigation. Supplement-specific effects were not found post-intervention, but z-scores continued to improve, suggesting a sustained overall effect of supplementation.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
PLOS Med. 9 March 2022; Volume 19 (Issue 3); e1003943.; DOI:10.1371/journal.pmed.1003943
Friis H, Cichon B, Fabiansen C, Iuel-Brockdorff AS, Yaméogo CW, et al.
PLOS Med. 9 March 2022; Volume 19 (Issue 3); e1003943.; DOI:10.1371/journal.pmed.1003943
BACKGROUND
Among children with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) the level of serum cobalamin (SC) and effect of food supplements are unknown. We aimed to assess prevalence and correlates of low SC in children with MAM, associations with hemoglobin and development, and effects of food supplements on SC.
METHODS AND FINDINGS
A randomized 2 × 2 × 3 factorial trial was conducted in Burkina Faso. Children aged 6 to 23 months with MAM received 500 kcal/d as lipid-based nutrient supplement (LNS) or corn-soy blend (CSB), containing dehulled soy (DS) or soy isolate (SI) and 0%, 20%, or 50% of total protein from milk for 3 months. Randomization resulted in baseline equivalence between intervention groups. Data on hemoglobin and development were available at baseline. SC was available at baseline and after 3 and 6 months. SC was available from 1,192 (74.1%) of 1,609 children at baseline. The mean (±SD) age was 12.6 (±5.0) months, and 54% were females. Low mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC; <125 mm) was found in 80.4% (958) of the children and low weight-for-length z-score (WLZ; <-2) in 70.6% (841). Stunting was seen in 38.2% (456). Only 5.9% were not breastfed. Median (IQR) SC was 188 (137; 259) pmol/L. Two-thirds had SC ≤222 pmol/L, which was associated with lower hemoglobin. After age and sex adjustments, very low SC (<112 pmol/L) was associated with 0.21 (95% CI: 0.01; 0.41, p = 0.04) and 0.24 (95% CI: 0.06; 0.42, p = 0.01) z-score lower fine and gross motor development, respectively. SC data were available from 1,330 (85.9%) of 1,548 children followed up after 3 months and 398 (26.5%) of the 1,503 children after 6 months. Based on tobit regression, accounting for left censored data, and adjustments for correlates of missing data, the mean (95% CI) increments in SC from baseline to the 3- and 6-month follow-up were 72 (65; 79, p < 0.001) and 26 (16; 37, p < 0.001) pmol/L, respectively. The changes were similar among the 310 children with SC data at all 3 time points. Yet, the increase was 39 (20; 57, p < 0.001) pmol/L larger in children given LNS compared to CSB if based on SI (interaction, p < 0.001). No effect of milk was found. Four children died, and no child developed an allergic reaction to supplements. The main limitation of this study was that only SC was available as a marker of status and was missing from a quarter of the children.
CONCLUSIONS
Low SC is prevalent among children with MAM and may contribute to impaired erythropoiesis and child development. The SC increase during supplementation was inadequate. The bioavailability and adequacy of cobalamin in food supplements should be reconsidered.
Among children with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) the level of serum cobalamin (SC) and effect of food supplements are unknown. We aimed to assess prevalence and correlates of low SC in children with MAM, associations with hemoglobin and development, and effects of food supplements on SC.
METHODS AND FINDINGS
A randomized 2 × 2 × 3 factorial trial was conducted in Burkina Faso. Children aged 6 to 23 months with MAM received 500 kcal/d as lipid-based nutrient supplement (LNS) or corn-soy blend (CSB), containing dehulled soy (DS) or soy isolate (SI) and 0%, 20%, or 50% of total protein from milk for 3 months. Randomization resulted in baseline equivalence between intervention groups. Data on hemoglobin and development were available at baseline. SC was available at baseline and after 3 and 6 months. SC was available from 1,192 (74.1%) of 1,609 children at baseline. The mean (±SD) age was 12.6 (±5.0) months, and 54% were females. Low mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC; <125 mm) was found in 80.4% (958) of the children and low weight-for-length z-score (WLZ; <-2) in 70.6% (841). Stunting was seen in 38.2% (456). Only 5.9% were not breastfed. Median (IQR) SC was 188 (137; 259) pmol/L. Two-thirds had SC ≤222 pmol/L, which was associated with lower hemoglobin. After age and sex adjustments, very low SC (<112 pmol/L) was associated with 0.21 (95% CI: 0.01; 0.41, p = 0.04) and 0.24 (95% CI: 0.06; 0.42, p = 0.01) z-score lower fine and gross motor development, respectively. SC data were available from 1,330 (85.9%) of 1,548 children followed up after 3 months and 398 (26.5%) of the 1,503 children after 6 months. Based on tobit regression, accounting for left censored data, and adjustments for correlates of missing data, the mean (95% CI) increments in SC from baseline to the 3- and 6-month follow-up were 72 (65; 79, p < 0.001) and 26 (16; 37, p < 0.001) pmol/L, respectively. The changes were similar among the 310 children with SC data at all 3 time points. Yet, the increase was 39 (20; 57, p < 0.001) pmol/L larger in children given LNS compared to CSB if based on SI (interaction, p < 0.001). No effect of milk was found. Four children died, and no child developed an allergic reaction to supplements. The main limitation of this study was that only SC was available as a marker of status and was missing from a quarter of the children.
CONCLUSIONS
Low SC is prevalent among children with MAM and may contribute to impaired erythropoiesis and child development. The SC increase during supplementation was inadequate. The bioavailability and adequacy of cobalamin in food supplements should be reconsidered.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Am J Clin Nutr. 6 January 2016; Volume 103 (Issue 2); 415-21.; DOI:10.3945/ajcn.115.124644
Fabiansen C, Phelan KPQ, Cichon B, Ritz C, Briend A, et al.
Am J Clin Nutr. 6 January 2016; Volume 103 (Issue 2); 415-21.; DOI:10.3945/ajcn.115.124644
BACKGROUND
The management of children with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) is based on food supplementation in outpatient programs. When midupper arm circumference (MUAC) is used as the sole admission criterion, it is common practice to exclude children with lengths <67 cm from treatment. The WHO calls for research to determine the treatment effect among children with MAM included by MUAC and aged ≥6 mo with lengths <67 cm.
OBJECTIVE
We hypothesized that among children given supplementary feeding based on an MUAC of 115-124 mm as the sole criterion, there would be no difference in growth rate between children <67 cm and those ≥67 cm in length at program admission.
DESIGN
This was an observational study nested in a randomized trial that investigated the effectiveness of new formulations of corn-soy blend and lipid-based nutrient supplements. Children aged 6-23 mo were included if their MUAC was between 115 and 124 mm but with a weight-for-height z score (WHZ) ≥-2. This cohort was divided into 2 groups by length at admission: <67 cm ("short") and ≥67 cm ("long"). Linear mixed-effects models and regression models were used to compare gains in weight and MUAC while adjusting for intervention, season, sex, age, and site.
RESULTS
Weight-gain velocity (expressed as g · kg(-1) · d(-1)) and MUAC-gain velocity (expressed as 0.01 mm · cm(-1) · d(-1)) were not different between short and long children. Weight-gain velocity was slightly higher in the shortest quartile of length (P = 0.03), whereas there was no effect modification by stunting across length quartiles (P = 0.32).
CONCLUSION
We found no evidence of a difference in percentage of weight gain or weight-gain velocity during supplementary feeding in short or long children aged 6-23 mo. We recommend a policy change to include children <67 cm in supplementary feeding programs if their MUAC is between 115 and 124 mm and their WHZ is ≥-2. This could benefit millions of children currently excluded from supplementary feeding. This trial was registered at www.controlled-trials.com as ISRCTN42569496.
The management of children with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) is based on food supplementation in outpatient programs. When midupper arm circumference (MUAC) is used as the sole admission criterion, it is common practice to exclude children with lengths <67 cm from treatment. The WHO calls for research to determine the treatment effect among children with MAM included by MUAC and aged ≥6 mo with lengths <67 cm.
OBJECTIVE
We hypothesized that among children given supplementary feeding based on an MUAC of 115-124 mm as the sole criterion, there would be no difference in growth rate between children <67 cm and those ≥67 cm in length at program admission.
DESIGN
This was an observational study nested in a randomized trial that investigated the effectiveness of new formulations of corn-soy blend and lipid-based nutrient supplements. Children aged 6-23 mo were included if their MUAC was between 115 and 124 mm but with a weight-for-height z score (WHZ) ≥-2. This cohort was divided into 2 groups by length at admission: <67 cm ("short") and ≥67 cm ("long"). Linear mixed-effects models and regression models were used to compare gains in weight and MUAC while adjusting for intervention, season, sex, age, and site.
RESULTS
Weight-gain velocity (expressed as g · kg(-1) · d(-1)) and MUAC-gain velocity (expressed as 0.01 mm · cm(-1) · d(-1)) were not different between short and long children. Weight-gain velocity was slightly higher in the shortest quartile of length (P = 0.03), whereas there was no effect modification by stunting across length quartiles (P = 0.32).
CONCLUSION
We found no evidence of a difference in percentage of weight gain or weight-gain velocity during supplementary feeding in short or long children aged 6-23 mo. We recommend a policy change to include children <67 cm in supplementary feeding programs if their MUAC is between 115 and 124 mm and their WHZ is ≥-2. This could benefit millions of children currently excluded from supplementary feeding. This trial was registered at www.controlled-trials.com as ISRCTN42569496.