Malnutrition in children associated with low insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) levels

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to compare serum levels of Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3 in children with malnutrition and good nutritional status. Method: This cross-sectional study included 41 participants consisting of 31 malnourished, 10 well-nourished children aged between 36 and 60 months. Demographic data of participants were obtained utilizing a questionnaire. Nutritional status was determined by calculating the Z-score of body weight for age, height for age, and body weight for height indices using the WHO classification. IGFBP-3 levels were determined by the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Result: Median serum IGFBP-3 levels in malnourished children were found to be lower i.e. 0.35 mcg/mL (minimum–maximum: 0.04–1.52 mcg/mL) compared to well-nourished children 1.52 ng/mL (minimum–maximum 0.47–3.17 mcg/mL). Conclusion: Serum IGFBP-3 levels can be used as indicators to assess nutritional status.

Keywords

• IGFBP-3
• Toddlers aged 36–60 months
• Malnutrition