Impact of food supplements on early child development in children with moderate acute malnutrition: A randomised 2 x 2 x 3 factorial trial in Burkina Faso

by Mette F. Olsen, Ann-Sophie Iuel-Brockdorff, Charles W. Yam éogo, Bernardette Cichon, Christian Fabiansen, Suzanne Filteau, Kevin Phelan, Albertine Ouédraogo, Kim F. Michaelsen, Melissa Gladstone, Per Ashorn, André Briend, Christian Ritz, Henrik Friis, Vibeke B. Christensen BackgroundLipid-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 findingsWe 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 langua ge 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 b...
Source: PLoS Medicine - Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Source Type: research