scholarly journals Fortification of maize meal improved the nutritional status of 1–3-year-old African children

2005 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 461-467 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alufheli E Nesamvuni ◽  
Hester H Vorster ◽  
Barrie M Margetts ◽  
Annamarie Kruger
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Vitamin A ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Serum Retinol ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
African Children ◽  
Maize Meal ◽  
Experimental Group

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of a vitamin-fortified maize meal to improve the nutritional status of 1–3-year-old malnourished African children.DesignA randomised parallel intervention study was used in which 21 experimental children and their families received maize meal fortified with vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin and pyridoxine, while 23 control children and their families received unfortified maize meal. The maize meal was provided for 12 months to replace the maize meal habitually consumed by these households.MethodsSixty undernourished African children with height-for-age or weight-for-age below the 5th percentile of the National Center for Health Statistics' criteria and aged 1–3 years were randomly assigned to an experimental or control group. Baseline measurements included demographic, socio-economic and dietary data, as well as height, weight, haemoglobin, haematocrit, serum retinol and retinol-binding protein (RBP). Anthropometric, blood and serum variables were measured again after 12 months of intervention. Complete baseline measurements were available for 44 children and end data for only 36. Changes in these variables from baseline to end within and between groups were assessed for significance with paired t-tests, t-tests and analysis of variances using the SPSS program, controlling for expected weight gain in this age group over 12 months. Relationships between changes in variables were examined by calculating correlation coefficients.ResultsThe children in the experimental group had a significantly (P≤0.05) higher increase in body weight than control children (4.6 kg vs. 2.0 kg) and both groups had significant (P≤0.05) but similar increases in height. The children in the experimental group showed non-significant increases in haemoglobin and serum retinol, while the control children had a significant (P = 0.007) decrease in RBP. The change in serum retinol showed a significant correlation with baseline retinol (P = 0.014), RBP (P = 0.007) and weight (P = 0.029), as well as with changes in haemoglobin (P = 0.029).ConclusionDespite a small sample size, this study showed positive effects of a vitamin-fortified maize meal on weight gain and some variables of vitamin A status in 1–3-year-old African children. The study confirmed the relationship between vitamin A and iron status. The results suggest that fortification of maize meal would be an effective strategy to address micronutrient deficiencies in small children in South Africa.

BIOCHEMICAL STATUS AND NATURAL RESISTANCE OF HYPOTROPHIC CALVES UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF LOW-INTENSITY LASER RADIATION AND THE POSSIBILITY OF ITS USE FOR THEIR REHABILITATION

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 70-76
Author(s):  
A. V. Golubtsov ◽  
◽  
A. G. Shakhov ◽  
Y. N. Alekhin ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Laser Radiation ◽  
Natural Resistance ◽  
Clinical State ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Low Intensity ◽  
Biochemical Status ◽  
Intensity Laser ◽  
Experimental Group

The effect of low-intensity laser radiation on the biochemical, immune and clinical status of calf-malnutrition was studied. The studies were carried out in 2 groups (experimental and control) for 12 animals with symmetric hypotrophy 2 (medium) severity. The calves of the experimental group underwent irradiation of blood with low-intensity laser radiation in the red spectral range (wavelength 630 nm). The animals of the control group were not treated (intact). Clinical observations of the calves were conducted for 2 months, taking into account the incidence, duration and severity of the disease, as well as weight gain. Blood sampling for biochemical and immunological studies was performed on the 1st and 21st days of life. Treatment of animals with low-intensity laser radiation positively affected their clinical state and productivity. Calves of the experimental group compared with the control were ill with gastrointestinal diseases in mild form with shorter duration of their course, and weight gain was significantly higher. The positive effects of low-intensity laser radiation on biochemical status, natural resistance and clinical condition of hypotrophic calves have been established, which allows us to recommend it for their rehabilitation.

scholarly journals Effect of consumption of the nutrient-dense, freshwater small fishAmblypharyngodon molaon biochemical indicators of vitamin A status in Bangladeshi children: a randomised, controlled study of efficacy

2008 ◽  
Vol 99 (3) ◽  
pp. 581-597 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katja Kongsbak ◽  
Shakuntala H. Thilsted ◽  
Mohammed A. Wahed
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Negative Control ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Serum Retinol ◽  
Biochemical Indicators ◽  
Vitamin A Status ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Experimental Group

In Bangladesh, some commonly consumed, indigenous, freshwater small fish species (eaten whole with bone, head and eyes) such as mola (Amblypharyngodon mola) are nutrient-dense, containing preformed vitamin A as retinol and especially 3,4-dehydroretinol. The objective of the present randomised, controlled efficacy study was to evaluate the effects of mola on biochemical indicators of vitamin A status. Children (n196), aged 3–7 years, with serum retinol 0·36–0·75 μmol/l, were randomly allocated to one of three treatment groups to receive a daily test meal (6 d/week for 9 weeks) of rice and vegetable curry (no vitamin A)ad libitumand 50 g fish curry consisting of: (1) mola, 600 retinol activity equivalents (RAE) (using 40 % biological activity of 3,4-dehydroretinol isomers) (experimental group,n66); (2) rui (Labeo rohita), a large fish (no vitamin A), with added retinyl palmitate, 600 RAE (positive control group,n65); or (3) rui, 0 RAE (negative control group,n65). The nutrient compositions of the dishes were analysed. After 9 weeks, no significant treatment effects were observed for serum retinol (P = 0·52) and retinol-binding protein (P = 0·81) in the experimental group compared with the negative control, whereas the positive control improved significantly (P < 0·001). The present results do not suggest conversion of the large amount of 3,4-dehydroretinol in mola curry to retinol. Further research on the functional effect of mola in humans is needed. Mola is a nutrient-dense animal-source food, rich in haem Fe, Zn and especially Ca, thus consumption of mola in Bangladesh should continue to be encouraged.

scholarly journals History of Fortification of Margarine with Vitamin A in the Philippines

1998 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 154-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florentino S. Solon
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Initial Study ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Serum Retinol ◽  
Daily Consumption ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Good Thermal Stability ◽  
Experimental Group

The search for a suitable vehicle for vitamin A fortification in the Philippines led in 1991 to Star Margarine, a hydrogenated margarine product that had been popular in the country since 1931. The initial study to determine the stability of β-carotene and vitamin A (retinol palmitate) in the product showed high percentages of vitamin A retention and good thermal stability, as indicated by high vitamin A recovery after being heated. Later, a double-blind, randomized community trial to determine the effects of consumption of non-refrigerated vitamin A—fortified margarine on the vitamin A status of three- to six-year-old children also showed an increase in mean serum retinol in the experimental group and a decrease in the control group after six months of daily consumption of the product. The multiple adjusted increment over control was 2.4 μg/dl ( p<.001). The prevalence of low serum retinol (<20 μg/dl) decreased from 25.7% to 10.1% in the experimental group but remained unchanged in controls (26.7% to 27.7%) ( p<.01 at six months). Although its vitamin A content has been increased so that each serving of one tablespoon provides 100% of the recommended dietary allowance for Filipino young children, the marketed product has remained affordable to consumers and has been made more accessible by reducing container sizes. It has also received the Department of Health seal of recognition as a product that meets national fortification standards. The fortification of Star Margarine exemplifies the close collaboration of government and non-governmental organizations, industry, academics, and other sectors in confronting a public health problem.

scholarly journals The effect of integrated nutrition care intervention on the nutritional status of HIV/AIDS children in Kilifi District, Kenya

2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (54) ◽  
pp. 6593-6613
Author(s):  
EJ Chesire ◽  
◽  
A Makokha ◽  
Y Yeri Kombe ◽  
M Mwangi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Vulnerable Children ◽  
Orphans And Vulnerable Children ◽  
Nutrition Care ◽  
Care Intervention ◽  
Intervention Measures ◽  
Experimental Group

The right to adequate nutrition in children is essential for the attainment of high standards of health. The health and nutritional status of orphans and vulnerable children is important as it affects their growth, health and mental development. However, these children suffer from malnutrition as they have limited access to adequate food and proper health care. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of an integrated nutrition care intervention in improving the nutritional status of children aged 6 - 14 years orphaned and made vulnerable by HIV and AIDS in Kilifi District, Kenya. A longitudinal quasi-experimental study was carried out in selected households of two divisions of Kilifi District. Two-stage sampling was used to identify the target households. Random sampling was used to identify the study subjects. A sample of 276 children was included in the study for experimental (138) and control (138) groups drawn from 153 households. The data collected included anthropometry measurements, dietary intake and socio-demographic characteristics of the study children. The intervention measures of the study were food rations, health and nutrition education, Vitamin A supplementation and de-worming. The experimental group was put on all the intervention measures, whereas the control group was given Vitamin A supplements and de-worming tablets, given in all the three phases. Epi-Info Anthro’ software package was used to analyze anthropometry data. Nutri- survey package was used to compute the nutrient content of the children’s meals. In both study areas, 26.1% of the children were underweight and 17.8% were wasted at baseline. In the control group at baseline, underweight was 29.7% and 18.8% were wasted, whereas in the experimental group, underweight was 22.5% and wasting was 16.7%. At endline evaluation, the proportion of underweight children in the control group reduced insignificantly (p=0.203) from 29.7% to 22.6% and wasting reduced insignificantly (p=0.295) from 18.8% to 13.9%. Among the experimental group, there was significant reduction (p=0.007) of underweight children from 22.5% to 9.4%, and wasting reduced significantly (p=0.031) from 16.7% to 7.7%. There was significant reduction (p<0.05) in malnutrition among the children in the experimental group but no significant reduction (p>0.05) in the control group. There is need for food rations and nutrition education among orphans and vulnerable children to improve their nutritional status. These results can be used by policy makers to modify programmes targeting orphans and vulnerable children to assure their nutrition security and improve their quality of life.

Red Palm Oil Supplementation: A Feasible Diet-Based Approach to Improve the Vitamin A Status of Pregnant Women and Their Infants

2003 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 208-217 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. S. Radhika ◽  
P. Bhaskaram ◽  
N. Balakrishna ◽  
B. A. Ramalakshmi
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Palm Oil ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Serum Retinol ◽  
Groundnut Oil ◽  
Red Palm Oil ◽  
Vitamin A Status ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Mean

This double-blinded, randomized, controlled study was designed to study the effect of dietary supplementation with red palm oil during pregnancy on maternal and neonatal vitamin A status. A total of 170 women were recruited at 16 to 24 weeks of gestation and randomly assigned to an experimental group that received red palm oil to supply approximately one recommended dietary amount (RDA) (2,400 μg) of β-carotene or to a control group that received an equivalent volume of groundnut oil. The women received the oils for a period of 8 weeks, starting at 26 to 28 weeks of gestation and extending to 34 to 36 weeks of gestation. The mean postintervention (34 to 36 weeks) levels of serum retinol were 1.20 ± 0.22 (SD) μmol/L (95% CI, 1.15–1.25) in women receiving red palm oil and 0.73 ± 0.15 μmol/L (95% CI, 0.69–0.77) in their infants; these levels were significantly higher than those in women receiving groundnut oil (1.07 ± 0.26 μmol/L; 95% CI, 1.01–1.13; p < .01) and their infants (0. 62 ± 0.17 μmol/L; 95% CI, 0.57–0.67; p < .001). A significantly lower proportion of women in the red palm oil group than in the control group had vitamin A deficiency (serum retinol levels < 0.7 μmol/L) after intervention (1.5% vs. 9.7%). The proportion of women having anemia was significantly lower (p < .01) in the red palm oil-supplemented group (80.6%) than in the control group (96.7%). The mean birthweight and gestational age of the infants did not differ significantly between the two groups. An increased risk of low birthweight (p = . 003) and preterm delivery (p = . 000) was observed with decreasing serum retinol levels in the third trimester of pregnancy. These results show that red palm oil supplementation significantly improved maternal and neonatal vitamin A status and reduced the prevalence of maternal anemia. Maternal vitamin A status in the later part of pregnancy is significantly associated with fetal growth and maturation. Hence red palm oil, a rich source of bioavailable vitamin A, could be used as a diet-based approach for improving vitamin A status in pregnancy.

scholarly journals SEANUTS: the nutritional status and dietary intakes of 0.5–12-year-old Thai children

2013 ◽  
Vol 110 (S3) ◽  
pp. S36-S44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nipa Rojroongwasinkul ◽  
Kallaya Kijboonchoo ◽  
Wanphen Wimonpeerapattana ◽  
Sasiumphai Purttiponthanee ◽  
Uruwan Yamborisut ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin A ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Rural Children ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Serum Retinol

In the present study, we investigated nutritional status and health-related factors in a multistage cluster sample of 3119 Thai urban and rural children aged 0·5–12·9 years. In a subsample, blood samples were collected for the measurement of Hb, transferrin receptor, vitamin A and vitamin D concentrations. The prevalence of stunting and underweight was higher in rural children than in urban children, whereas the wasting rate was similar in both rural and urban areas. Among children aged 3·0–5·9 years, the prevalence of overweight was significantly higher in urban areas than in rural areas and so was the obesity rate in children aged 6·0–12·9 years. Protein intakes of all age groups were relatively high in both the areas. Intakes of Ca, Fe, Zn and vitamin C were significantly higher in urban areas than in rural areas. The prevalence of anaemia in rural areas was twice as high as that in urban areas, particularly in infants and young children. However, the prevalence of Fe-deficiency anaemia was similar in both urban and rural areas. While the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency (by serum retinol cut-off < 0·7 μmol/l) seemed to be very low, vitamin A insufficiency (by serum retinol cut-off < 1·05 μmol/l) was more prevalent (29·4–31·7 %) in both the areas. The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency ranged between 27·7 and 45·6 % among the children. The present study indicates that the double burden of malnutrition is still a major public health problem in Thailand. Further studies need to explore the associated risk factors for these nutrient deficiencies. Effective strategies and actions are needed to tackle the nutritional problems in Thai children.

scholarly journals Research on the Influence of the Light and Sexing on Growth Performance and Slaughter Results at Young Quails from Mixed Baloteşti Population of Eggs-Meat

2017 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
pp. 15
Author(s):  
Lucian IONITA ◽  
Elena POPESCU-MICLOSANU ◽  
George NICA ◽  
Cornel Octavian PANA
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Conversion Rate ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Average Weight ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Feed Conversion Rate ◽  
Average Weight Gain ◽  
Experimental Group

The purposes of determining the influence of the light and sexing on growth performance and slaughter results atyoung quails from Balotesti population, was organized an experiment on 150 quails, betwen age of 28 and 70 days. The chicks were divided into two groups (control and experimental), and growth and slaughter performance were determined separately by sex. Have studied 2 lighting programs, a program of continous lighting with photoperiod duration of 16 hours (16 L + 8 N, control group) and a program with lighting with asymetric hours intervals with photoperiod duration of 16 hours (10L+2N+6L+6N, experimental group).Males and females from the experimental group were recorded average performance of growth high during the period 28 - 70 days. Live weight at age of 70 days was higher with 7.54 %, average weight gain was higher with 14.86 % and feed conversion rate was lower with 13.51 % at males from experimental group compared to males from the control group. Also, the live weight at the age of 70 days was higher with 18.09 %; average weight gain was higher with 35.12 %, while feed conversion rate was reduced with 30.08 % on females from the experimental group compared to females from the control group.The results of the slaughter at 70 days were superior in the caseof females from the both groups versus males. The average weight of the carcase was higher with 17.53 % in case of the females than that of males from the experimental group, and the carcase yield was 65.37 % at the females and 65.56 % for males. Also, the average weight of the carcase was higher with 5.08 % in case of females compared to that males from the control group, and the carcase yield was 64.20 % to females 66.70 % on males.Superior results recorded in the case of females and males from the experimental group recommended the program of lighting with asymmetric hours intervals in the growth of youth quail. Also, the higher slaughter results recorded in the case of females of the two groups recommended them in the meat production through a broiler of quail that combine advantages in the production of both males and females. 

scholarly journals Clowns Benefit Children Hospitalized for Respiratory Pathologies

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Bertini ◽  
Elena Isola ◽  
Giuseppe Paolone ◽  
Giuseppe Curcio
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Systolic Pressure ◽  
Therapeutic Modality ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Self Evaluation ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Two Parameters ◽  
Therapeutic Settings ◽  
Experimental Group

The study aims at evaluating health-generating function of humor therapy in a hospital ward hosting children suffering from respiratory pathologies. The main scope of this study is to investigate possible positive effects of the presence of a clown on both the clinical evolution of the on-going disease, and on some physiological and pain parameters. Forty-three children with respiratory pathologies participated in the study: 21 of them belonged to the experimental group (EG) and 22 children to the control group (CG). During their hospitalization, the children of the EG interacted with two clowns who were experienced in the field of pediatric intervention. All participants were evaluated with respect to clinical progress and to a series of physiological and pain measures both before and after the clown interaction. When compared with the CG, EG children showed an earlier disappearance of the pathological symptoms. Moreover, the interaction of the clown with the children led to a statistically significant lowering of diastolic blood pressure, respiratory frequency and temperature in the EG as compared with the control group. The other two parameters of systolic pressure and heart frequency yielded results in the same direction, without reaching statistical significance. A similar health-inducing effect of clown presence was observed on pain parameters, both by self evaluation and assessment by nurses. Taken together, our data indicate that the presence of clowns in the ward has a possible health-inducing effect. Thus, humor can be seen as an easy-to-use, inexpensive and natural therapeutic modality to be used within different therapeutic settings.

scholarly journals Improving the nutritional status of malnourished children using soybean products in Rwanda

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (64) ◽  
pp. 9136-9153
Author(s):  
M Niyibituronsa ◽  
◽  
F Kyallo ◽  
C Mugo ◽  
S Gaidashova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Anthropometric Measurements ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Soybean Flour ◽  
Soybean Milk ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Southern Province ◽  
Malnourished Children

The prevalence of malnutrition is high in Rwanda especially in Ruhango District of Southern Province (23.5% in 2009). The contribution of soybean ( Glycine max L) , which is an important source of high quality and inexpensive protein and oil, to improvement of nutritional status of malnourished children is unclear. Although a lot of research has been done on the production of soybean in Rwanda, research on soybean in the diet to improve the nutritional status of malnourished children has not been done. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of soybean flour and soybean milk on the nutritional status of malnourished children under the age of five. The objective was to determine the weight gain due to each treatment in comparison with the control group. This study was conducted in Ruhango District of Southern Province Rwanda. A survey was conducted where households growing and utilizing soybean were identified and anthropometric measurements were ta ken on 294 children to select malnourished children. Thirty malnourished children participate in the intervention which lasted three months. One cup (250ml) of soybean milk was supplemented to ten children per day. An equal number was supplemented with 25g of soybean flour in soup (250ml). The caregivers of the ten children in the control group received nutrition education together with the two treatment groups. Anthropometric measurements were taken every month and entered in WHO ANTHRO software. Data was analyzed by regression models using G enStat 14th edition and the magnitude of weight gain due to each of the treatments was predicted at 5% level of significance. A linear mixed model was used to estimate and compare weight gain among children fed on soybean milk and soybean flour supplement in comparison with the control group. Soybean products were found to affect weight gain of children (P = 0.04). The mean weight gain was 0.9 (±0.5 ) kg within three months of intervention. The difference in weight gain between t he two treatment groups was not significant. To improve the nutritional status o f malnourished children under five years further intervention is needed in terms of education and training on soybean based diet formulation.

scholarly journals Effect of supplemental pig milk replacer on piglet weight gain and sow backfat thickness

2015 ◽  
pp. 43-47
Author(s):  
Zsolt Győri ◽  
Péter Balogh ◽  
László Huzsvai ◽  
Gabriella Novotniné Dankó
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Replacer ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Suckling Period ◽  
Liquid Milk ◽  
Period Data ◽  
Experimental Group

Sow milk production is the major factor limiting pig growth to weaning. Although the milk production of the sows incremental many environmental factors affect the actual performances. The supplemental milk replacer can be an appropriate solution to ward off disparities and try to equalize the available milk quantity to the piglets according to their appetite, to enlarge the weight of pigs at weaning, ultimately. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of liquid milk supplement on weight development and litter performance of the piglets during the suckling period. Data were collected from 60 farrowings, the weight of 649 piglets in a total were measured at birth, 14 days old and at weaning (28 days), respectively. In the control group (n=319) the piglets were suckled and got prestarter feed from day 10. In the experimental group (n= 330) the piglets had got liquid milk replacer in 10.71% solution, from day 10 after birth together with suckling and prestarter feed, as well. Based on the Duncan's multiple range tests, there were no significant differences in birth weight between the control and experimental group but we found significant differences between the 14 days weight and the weaning weight, subsequently. Based on the CV% of weight the experimental group became more homogenous, in contrary to the weight of the control group at the end of suckling period. The milk supplementation can be an appropriate solution to ward off disparities and to equalize the available milk quantity to the piglets according to their appetite, to enlarge and uniform the weight of pigs at weaning, ultimately.

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