Impact of Nutrition Supplementation on linear growth among 12–18 months children of Belagavi city: A randomized control trial

Abstract

Background: Adequate nutrition is one of the most important factors influencing growth & immunity. Bovine colostrum (BC) is the first milk produced after birth of a calf and is a rich natural source of macronutrients, micronutrients, immunoglobulins, growth factors and peptides with anti-microbial activity. Objective: The current study was conducted to test the hypothesis whether BC supplementation would lead to an increase in linear growth of children of age 12–18 months. The secondary objectives were 1) To measure biomedical parameters among 12–18 months children in the 2 groups, i.e., BC and control group. 2) To assess the acceptability and tolerability of BC among children. Materials & methods: A double blinded randomized control trial was conducted among children in the age group of 12–18 months. A total of 78 participants were included and were randomly divided into experiment and control groups. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters were measured before and after intervention. The acceptability and tolerability of BC was assessed through a questionnaire filled by the mothers of study participant. Results: There was a significant difference observed in Body mass index (BMI), Chest circumference and Mid upper arm circumference in the BC group but there was not any significant difference found in biochemical parameters. Mothers of study participant reported high acceptability and no side effects of the intervention. Conclusion: Supplementation of BC in children's diet lead to improved anthropometric outcomes in children of Belagavi city and was acceptable by them.

Keywords

• Bovine colostrum
• Linear growth
• Children
• Stunting
• Supplementation