Improving nutritional status and dietary intake of stunted children 4-6 years old in Bac Giang province through the nutrient - rich products supplementation

Abstract

A cluster randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of nutrient - rich product supplementationon on the nutritional status and dietary intake of stunting children 4 - 6 years old in four communes of Luc Ngan district, Bac Giang province. The four communes were randomly assigned into 2 groups. The intervention group was given 2 packs of nutritional products/ day for 6 consecutive months, the control group followed the normal diet. After 6 months, the intervention group had a higher average weight gain and height gain than the control group (p < 0.05). The rate of underweight and stunting in the intervention group were statistically signifcant lower in comparison to control group (p < 0.05). After the intervention, the dietary intake of the intervention group was improved signifcantly, the amount of energy and protein met 87% and 80% recommended dietary allowance respectively. Consumption of vitamin A, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and zinc in intervention group met about 80 - 100% of recommended dietary allowance. Daily supplementing of nutrient-rich products during 6 months improved weight gain, dietary intake while decreasing the stunting rate and underweight rate among stunted children 4-6 years old.