Supplement of three eggs a week improves protein malnutrition in Thai children from rural areas.
BACKGROUND
Protein Malnutrition is one of the most important health indexes that affect children's growth and development. In Thailand National Health Survey 2004, 21.5% of primary school students living in the rural area were below the 90th percentile of the standard weight for age.


OBJECTIVE
To compare nutritional status with serum proteins and lipids, and to determine the effect of egg supplement for primary school students aged 6-15 years.


METHODS
A randomized experimental study was performed in 417 participants received an addition of either three or ten eggs per week for 12 consecutive weeks to basal diet.


RESULTS
The anthropometric and biochemical indexes were measured, 29.1% and 20.8% of whom were Protein Malnutrition according to serum albumin and PreAlbumin's criteria, respectively. Albumin and PreAlbumin levels were positively correlated with Total Cholesterol and LDL-C levels. No difference in any biochemical index has been found between 3 eggs/wk group and 10 eggs/wk group. Besides, due to continuing egg supplement, Total Cholesterol, LDL and ratio of Total Cholesterol to HDL level have decreased (p < 0.001) but albumin, PreAlbumin and HDL levels have demonstrated significantly increasing levels (p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Nowadays in rural areas of Thailand there are still primary school students with protein malnutrition especially in rural area. An addition of at least 3 eggs/wk supplements can effectively correct the problem of protein malnutrition among primary school students at risk as shown by biochemical indices, and it benefits the blood cholesterol level as well.
Mayurasakorn
Korapat
K
Family Medicine Division, Department of Social Medicine, Samutsakhon General Hospital, Samutsakhon, Thailand. drkorapat@hotmail.com
Sitphahul
Prapunpis
P
Hongto
Pun-orn
PO
D002648:Child; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood; D004032:Diet; D004531:Eggs; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D011502:Protein-Energy Malnutrition / Q000097:blood / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012424:Rural Population; D013785:Thailand; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D008055:Lipids; D014280:Triglycerides