A field trial of supplementary feeding in hilltribe children (1-4 years old) : one year follow-up study
Viseshakul, D.; Premwatana, P.; Kewsiri, D.
Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand 62(4): 190-200
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0125-2208 PMID: 448244 Document Number: 149463
The 35 children 1 to 4 years old from 2 Ahkar hill tribe villages in Thailand were given for 1 year a supplement of Kaset infant food. The food was a dry cooked mixture of rice, soya bean flour and sugar and it was mixed with vegetable oil and sugar in the ratio of 5:3:2. One serving of the supplement provided energy 500 kcal and protein 8.8 g. During the year, control children given no supplement gained about 1.0 kg bodyweight, the children initially 1 to 3 years old given the supplement gained 1.4 kg and those over 3 years gained 1.0 kg. Of children given the supplement, 56% gained bodyweight at a rate which eliminated their bodyweight deficit and 38% still retained their bodyweight deficit; those may have needed more time to catch up. Mean arm circumference of children given the supplement increased satisfactorily but there was no increase in triceps skinfold thickness. Using Jelliffe's (NAR 37, 7742) criterion of bodyweight-for-age 44% of the children were malnourished before treatment, 34% after treatment. Using Waterlow's criteria of bodyweight-for-height and height-for-age, there were 3% and no wasted children before and after 12 months of supplementation, 44% before and 24% after the 12 months, whose growth was stunted. It is suggested that the supplement should be started not later than 1 year old but it seems to be not necessary before 6 months old. Tables given composition of the supplements and for 3 age groups the bodyweight, height, circumference of arm, head and chest and the triceps skinfold thickness.