[The effect of consuming quality protein maize or conventional maize on the growth and morbidity of malnourished Nicaraguan children 1 to 5 years of age].
Quality protein maize (QPM), with twice the amount of tryptophan and lysine than conventional maize, has improved the nutritional status of severely malnourished children. This double-blind clinical study evaluated the impact of QPM on the growth and morbidity of mild and moderately malnourished children. In a Nicaraguan day care center, 48 children 1 to 5 years old who were malnourished (> 2 indicators with < -1 Z for weight-age, height-age or weight-height) were identified and randomly assigned to consume for 5 days/week for 3.5 months a snack prepared with QPM or conventional maize. QPM positively influenced children's growth: weight (0.80 vs. 0.19 kg gained from baseline to endline between the QPM and conventional maize groups, respectively), height (2.02 vs. 1.23 cm in QPM vs. conventional) and Z score for weight-age (0.17 vs. -0.26 Z in QPM vs. conventional) and height-age (0.06 vs. -0.23 Z in QPM vs. conventional). When other factors that could affect growth with respect to weight, height, weight-age Z score and height-age Z score were controlled for, the intervention group (QPM > conventional) was a statistically important factor (P < 0.01). The QPM snack, however, had no effect on the incidence of diarrheal episodes or respiratory infections. In conclusion, QPM improves the nutritional status of pre-school children who are mild or moderately malnourished but has no effect on the incidence of diarrheal episodes or respiratory infections.
Ortega Alemán
Eveling del Carmen
Edel C
Universidad Nacional Autónoma Nicaragua (UNAN), Managua, Nicaragua.
Coulson Romero
Adrían Jim
AJ
Ordóñez Argueta
Lastenia Irene
LI
Pachón
Helena
H
D002657:Child Development / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000592:standards; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009527:Nicaragua / Q000453:epidemiology; D011502:Protein-Energy Malnutrition / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D003313:Zea mays / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000592:standards
D004044:Dietary Proteins