Improving the Nutritional Status of Socially Vulnerable Children in Manaus, Brazilian Amazon, through a Food Supplementation Programme.

Information on the effects of government nutrition programmes provided to socially vulnerable children to improve their nutritional status is scarce. We analysed the effectiveness of a nutritional programme, including food supplementation with infant formula, on the evolution of the weight and height of socially vulnerable children from Manaus in the Brazilian Amazon. This study included 7752 children aged 12-24 months admitted to the programme between 2017 and 2020. Weight and height measurements at admission and every three months thereafter were extracted from the programme database. Weight-for-age, weight-for-height, body mass index-for-age (BMI/A), and height-for-age z-scores were analysed using a multilevel linear regression model, which showed a statistically significant decrease in nutritional deficits toward nutritional recovery at follow-up. The programme's effectiveness was evaluated in 1617 children using a paired analysis comparing data from between 12 and 15 months of age at admission and follow-up after 6-9 months. Children admitted with wasting presented an increase in the BMI/A z-score, whereas children admitted with a risk of being overweight and obese had a statistically significant decrease in the BMI/A z-score. Children admitted with stunted growth also showed increased height-for-age z-scores. The nutrition programme was effective for children experiencing wasting and reducing excess weight.

Complementary feeding and nutritional status of infants on cow's milk proteins elimination diet.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diet and nutritional status of infants on an elimination diet of cow's milk proteins. METHODS: Observational and cross-sectional study that compared: Infants on a cow's milk protein elimination diet (n=60) assisted at a hypoallergenic formula distribution unit and a control group of same age and gender without dietary restrictions (n=60). Age ranged from 6 to 24 months. The diet was evaluated using the 24-hour food survey and weight and height were measured. RESULTS: The macronutrient intake of both groups reached nutritional recommendations. The proportions of infants in the group of elimination of cow's milk proteins with insufficient intake were lower, compared to controls, for iron (13.3 and 31.7%; p=0.029), zinc (5.0 and 18.3%; p=0.047), and vitamin D (25.0 and 71.7%; p<0.001). The hypoallergenic formula contributed to a greater supply of nutrients than dairy foods for the control group. Between 12 and 24 months, the number of infants on a restriction diet who never consumed meat, fish, cereals, and eggs was higher than in the control group (p<0.05). The length-age Z scores in infants on a cow's milk protein elimination diet (-0.4±1.6) were lower (p=0.039) than in the control group (+0.2±1.3). CONCLUSIONS: The diet of infants with exclusion of cow's milk protein was adequate despite the delay in the introduction of some complementary foods. Infants on an elimination cow's milk protein diet showed lower linear growth without weight deficit.

Complementary feeding and nutritional status of infants on cow's milk proteins elimination diet / Alimentação complementar e estado nutricional de lactentes em dieta de exclusão das proteínas do leite de vaca

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the diet and nutritional status of infants on an elimination diet of cow's milk proteins. Methods: Observational and cross-sectional study that compared: Infants on a cow's milk protein elimination diet (n=60) assisted at a hypoallergenic formula distribution unit and a control group of same age and gender without dietary restrictions (n=60). Age ranged from 6 to 24 months. The diet was evaluated using the 24-hour food survey and weight and height were measured. Results: The macronutrient intake of both groups reached nutritional recommendations. The proportions of infants in the group of elimination of cow's milk proteins with insufficient intake were lower, compared to controls, for iron (13.3 and 31.7%; p=0.029), zinc (5.0 and 18.3%; p=0.047), and vitamin D (25.0 and 71.7%; p<0.001). The hypoallergenic formula contributed to a greater supply of nutrients than dairy foods for the control group. Between 12 and 24 months, the number of infants on a restriction diet who never consumed meat, fish, cereals, and eggs was higher than in the control group (p<0.05). The length-age Z scores in infants on a cow's milk protein elimination diet (-0.4±1.6) were lower (p=0.039) than in the control group (+0.2±1.3). Conclusions: The diet of infants with exclusion of cow's milk protein was adequate despite the delay in the introduction of some complementary foods. Infants on an elimination cow's milk protein diet showed lower linear growth without weight deficit.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a dieta e o estado nutricional de lactentes em dieta de exclusão das proteínas do leite de vaca. Métodos: Estudo observacional, transversal, que comparou: lactentes em dieta de exclusão das proteínas do leite de vaca (n=60) atendidos em unidade de dispensação de fórmulas hipoalergênicas e lactentes sem restrições alimentares (n=60), de mesma idade e sexo (grupo controle). A idade variou de seis a 24 meses. A dieta foi avaliada com o emprego do inquérito alimentar e foram mensurados o peso e a estatura. Resultados: A ingestão de macronutrientes foi adequada em ambos os grupos. No grupo em dieta de exclusão das proteínas do leite de vaca, as proporções de lactentes com ingestão insuficiente foram menores em relação aos controles, para ferro (13,3 e 31,7%; p=0,029), zinco (5,0 e 18,3%; p=0,047) e vitamina D (25,0 e 71,7%; p<0,001). A fórmula hipoalergênica contribuiu com maior oferta de nutrientes do que os alimentos lácteos para o grupo controle. Entre 12 e 24 meses, o número de lactentes em dieta de exclusão que nunca consumiram carne bovina, peixe, cereais e ovo foi maior do que no grupo controle (p<0,05). Os escores Z de comprimento-idade nos lactentes em dieta de exclusão das proteínas do leite de vaca (-0,4±1,6) foram menores (p=0,039) do que no grupo controle (+0,2±1,3). Conclusões: A dieta de lactentes em exclusão do leite de vaca foi adequada apesar do atraso na introdução de alguns alimentos. Lactentes em dieta de exclusão apresentaram menor crescimento linear não acompanhado de déficit ponderal.

GUT MICROBIOTA AND THE USE OF PROBIOTICS IN CONSTIPATION IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review of literature data on gut microbiota and the efficacy of probiotics for the treatment of constipation in children and adolescents. DATA SOURCE: The research was performed in the PubMed, the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS) databases in English, Portuguese and Spanish. All original articles that mentioned the evaluation of the gut microbiota or the use of probiotics in children with constipation in their title and abstract were selected. DATA SYNTHESIS: 559 articles were found, 47 of which were selected for reading. From these, 12 articles were included; they studied children and adolescents divided into two categories: a gut microbiota evaluation (n=4) and an evaluation of the use of probiotics in constipation therapy (n=8). The four papers that analyzed fecal microbiota used different laboratory methodologies. No typical pattern of gut microbiota was found. Regarding treatment, eight clinical trials with heterogeneous methodologies were found. Fifteen strains of probiotics were evaluated and only one was analyzed in more than one article. Irregular beneficial effects of probiotics have been demonstrated in some manifestations of constipation (bowel frequency or consistency of stool or abdominal pain or pain during a bowel movement or flatulence). In one clinical trial, a complete control of constipation without the use of laxatives was obtained. CONCLUSIONS: There is no specific pattern of fecal microbiota abnormalities in constipation. Despite the probiotics' positive effects on certain characteristics of the intestinal habitat, there is still no evidence to recommend it in the treatment of constipation in pediatrics.

Gut microbiota and the use of probiotics in constipation in children and adolescents: systematic review / Microbiota intestinal e emprego dos probióticos na constipação intestinal em crianças e adolescentes: revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT Objective: To perform a systematic review of literature data on gut microbiota and the efficacy of probiotics for the treatment of constipation in children and adolescents. Data source: The research was performed in the PubMed, the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS) databases in English, Portuguese and Spanish. All original articles that mentioned the evaluation of the gut microbiota or the use of probiotics in children with constipation in their title and abstract were selected. Data synthesis: 559 articles were found, 47 of which were selected for reading. From these, 12 articles were included; they studied children and adolescents divided into two categories: a gut microbiota evaluation (n=4) and an evaluation of the use of probiotics in constipation therapy (n=8). The four papers that analyzed fecal microbiota used different laboratory methodologies. No typical pattern of gut microbiota was found. Regarding treatment, eight clinical trials with heterogeneous methodologies were found. Fifteen strains of probiotics were evaluated and only one was analyzed in more than one article. Irregular beneficial effects of probiotics have been demonstrated in some manifestations of constipation (bowel frequency or consistency of stool or abdominal pain or pain during a bowel movement or flatulence). In one clinical trial, a complete control of constipation without the use of laxatives was obtained. Conclusions: There is no specific pattern of fecal microbiota abnormalities in constipation. Despite the probiotics' positive effects on certain characteristics of the intestinal habitat, there is still no evidence to recommend it in the treatment of constipation in pediatrics.

RESUMO Objetivo: Realizar revisão sistemática dos dados da literatura sobre a microbiota intestinal e a eficácia dos probióticos para o tratamento da constipação intestinal em crianças e adolescentes. Fonte de dados: Foi realizada busca nas bases de dados PubMed, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) e Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), em inglês, português e espanhol. Foram selecionados, pelo título e pelo resumo, todos os artigos originais que avaliaram a microbiota intestinal ou o emprego de probióticos em crianças com constipação intestinal. Síntese dos dados: Foram encontrados 559 artigos, dos quais 47 foram selecionados para leitura. Destes, foram incluídos 12 artigos que estudaram crianças e adolescentes distribuídos em duas categorias: avaliação da microbiota intestinal (n=4) e avaliação do emprego dos probióticos na terapêutica da constipação intestinal (n=8). Os quatro artigos que analisaram a microbiota fecal utilizaram metodologias laboratoriais diferentes. Não foi observado um padrão típico de microbiota intestinal. Quanto ao tratamento, foram encontrados oito ensaios clínicos com metodologias heterogêneas. Foram avaliadas 15 cepas de probióticos e apenas uma foi avaliada em mais de um artigo. Foram evidenciados efeitos benéficos não uniformes dos probióticos em algumas manifestações da constipação intestinal (frequência evacuatória, consistência das fezes, dor abdominal, dor ao evacuar ou flatulência). Em apenas um ensaio clínico foi obtido completo controle da constipação intestinal sem o emprego concomitante de laxantes. Conclusões: Não existe um padrão específico de anormalidades da microbiota fecal na constipação intestinal. Apesar dos efeitos positivos dos probióticos em determinadas características do hábito intestinal, ainda não existem evidências que permitam sua recomendação no tratamento da constipação intestinal em pediatria.

Knowledge and practice of pediatricians and nutritionists regarding treatment of cow's milk protein allergy in infants / Conhecimento e prática de pediatras e nutricionistas sobre o tratamento da alergia às proteínas do leite de vaca em lactentes

ABSTRACT Objective This study evaluated the knowledge and practices of pediatricians and nutritionists about cow's milk protein allergy in infants, with an emphasis on issues related to the exclusion diet and nutritional status. Methods A cross-sectional, descriptive study was performed with a convenience sample of 204 pediatricians and 202 nutritionists randomly invited in scientific events in the city of São Paulo, from November 2014 to March 2016. Results Between 1.5% and 21.0% of respondents indicated inadequate products for the treatment of cow's milk protein allergy, including goat's milk, beverages or juices based on soy extract, lactose-free milk formula and partially hydrolyzed formula. The daily calcium recommendation for children between zero and 36 months of age was correctly indicated by 27.0% of pediatricians and 46.0% of nutritionists (p=0.001). Additionally, 96.1% of pediatricians and 82.7% of dietitians (p<0.001) provided guidance on about labels of industrialized products. Conclusion Pediatricians and nutritionists present gaps in knowledge about cow's milk protein allergy treatment in infants and educational strategies that increase the knowledge of the professionals are important for the management of cow's milk protein allergy.

RESUMO Objetivo Este estudo avaliou o conhecimento e práticas de pediatras e nutricionistas sobre alergia às proteínas do leite de vaca em lactentes, com ênfase em questões relacionadas à dieta de exclusão e ao estado nutricional. Métodos Estudo transversal, descritivo, realizado com uma amostra de conveniência de 204 pediatras e 202 nutricionistas, convidados aleatoriamente em eventos científicos na cidade de São Paulo, de novembro de 2014 a março de 2016. Resultados Entre 1,5% e 21,0% dos entrevistados indicaram produtos inadequados para o tratamento da alergia às proteínas do leite de vaca, incluindo leite de cabra, bebidas ou sucos à base de extrato de soja, fórmula de leite sem lactose e fórmula parcialmente hidrolisada. A recomendação diária de cálcio para crianças entre zero e 36 meses de idade foi corretamente indicada por 27,0% de pediatras e 46,0% de nutricionistas (p=0,001). Além disso, 96,1% dos pediatras e 82,7% dos nutricionistas (p<0,001) forneceram orientação sobre os rótulos dos produtos industrializados. Conclusão Pediatras e nutricionistas apresentam lacunas no conhecimento sobre o tratamento da alergia às proteínas do leite de vaca em lactentes. Estratégias educacionais que aumentam o conhecimento dos profissionais são importantes para o gerenciamento da alergia às proteínas do leite de vaca.

Excess sodium and insufficient iron content in complementary foods.

OBJECTIVES: To determine, by chemical analysis, the macronutrient, energy, sodium, and iron contents of homemade foods prepared for infants in two socioeconomic classes in Belém, state of Pará, Brazil. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 78 infants (aged 6 to 18 months) distributed into two groups according to socioeconomic status (high or low). Chemical analyses were performed on samples of homemade complementary foods prepared for each infant's lunch. Daily food intake was estimated on the basis of two 24-hour dietary intake recall. RESULTS: Chemical analyses showed that the energy content of some food samples was lower than recommended, both in the low socioeconomic status (SES) group (29.8% of samples) and in the high-SES group (43.0%; p = 0.199). The iron content of all samples, regardless of group, was lower than minimum recommended levels (6.0 mg/100 g). On the other hand, excessive sodium levels (200 mg/100 g) were found in 89.2 and 31.7% of samples in the low- and high-SES groups, respectively (p = 0.027). Dietary recalls showed that energy intake exceeded 120% of the Estimated Energy Requirement in 86.5% of infants in the low-SES group and 92.7% of those in the high-SES group (p = 0.483). Lunch and dinner provided 35.2+/-14.6 and 36.4+/-12.0% of daily energy intake in the low- and high-SES groups, respectively (p = 0.692). CONCLUSION: Homemade complementary foods for infants were found to be low in iron. A significant portion of samples had excessive sodium content, most frequently those prepared for infants in low-SES status families.

Excesso de sódio e déficit de ferro em alimentos de transição / Excess sodium and insufficient iron content in complementary foods

OBJETIVOS: Determinar, por análise química, a composição nutricional de macronutrientes, energia, sódio e ferro de alimentos preparados no domicílio para lactentes de dois estratos socioeconômicos em Belém (PA). MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com 78 lactentes (6 a 18 meses) distribuídos em dois grupos com condição socioeconômica alta ou baixa. Foi realizada análise química de amostras de alimentos de transição preparados no domicílio para o almoço. Foi estimada a ingestão alimentar diária, com base em dois inquéritos alimentares de 24 horas. RESULTADOS: As análises químicas revelaram que parcela das amostras dos alimentos apresentava baixo teor de energia em relação ao recomendado, tanto no estrato socioeconômico baixo (29,8 por cento) como no alto (43,0 por cento; p = 0,199). Todas as amostras analisadas, em ambos os grupos, apresentaram quantidade de ferro abaixo do mínimo recomendado (6,0 mg/100 g). Por outro lado, excesso de sódio (200 mg/100 g) foi constatado em 89,2 e 31,7 por cento, respectivamente, das amostras dos grupos de baixo e alto nível socioeconômico (p = 0,027). De acordo com os inquéritos alimentares, a estimativa da ingestão energética foi maior que 120 por cento da necessidade média estimada em 86,5 por cento dos lactentes do grupo de nível socioeconômico baixo e em 92,7 por cento do alto (p = 0,483). O almoço e o jantar forneceram 35,2±14,6 e 36,4±12,0 por cento da energia, respectivamente, nos grupos de baixo e alto nível socioeconômico (p = 0,692). CONCLUSÃO: Alimentos de transição preparados no domicílio para lactentes apresentaram baixo teor de ferro. Parcela expressiva das amostras apresentou quantidade excessiva de sódio, mais frequentemente nos alimentos preparados para os lactentes de baixo nível socioeconômico.

OBJECTIVES: To determine, by chemical analysis, the macronutrient, energy, sodium, and iron contents of homemade foods prepared for infants in two socioeconomic classes in Belém, state of Pará, Brazil. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 78 infants (aged 6 to 18 months) distributed into two groups according to socioeconomic status (high or low). Chemical analyses were performed on samples of homemade complementary foods prepared for each infant's lunch. Daily food intake was estimated on the basis of two 24-hour dietary intake recall. RESULTS: Chemical analyses showed that the energy content of some food samples was lower than recommended, both in the low socioeconomic status (SES) group (29.8 percent of samples) and in the high-SES group (43.0 percent; p = 0.199). The iron content of all samples, regardless of group, was lower than minimum recommended levels (6.0 mg/100 g). On the other hand, excessive sodium levels (200 mg/100 g) were found in 89.2 and 31.7 percent of samples in the low- and high-SES groups, respectively (p = 0.027). Dietary recalls showed that energy intake exceeded 120 percent of the Estimated Energy Requirement in 86.5 percent of infants in the low-SES group and 92.7 percent of those in the high-SES group (p = 0.483). Lunch and dinner provided 35.2±14.6 and 36.4±12.0 percent of daily energy intake in the low- and high-SES groups, respectively (p = 0.692). CONCLUSION: Homemade complementary foods for infants were found to be low in iron. A significant portion of samples had excessive sodium content, most frequently those prepared for infants in low-SES status families.

Conhecimento de pediatras e nutricionistas sobre o tratamento da alergia ao leite de vaca no lactente / Pediatricians and nutritionists knowledge about treatment of cow milk allergy in infants

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o conhecimento de pediatras e nutricionistas sobre a dieta de exclusão do leite de vaca e seus derivados, com ênfase em questões relacionadas à nutrição da criança. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal descritivo, do qual participaram pediatras (n=53) e nutricionistas (n=29), vinculados a hospitais públicos do Município de São Paulo, no ano de 2005. Os dados foram coletados por questionário auto-administrado. RESULTADOS: A idade dos profissionais variou de 21 a 50 anos. Quanto ao tempo de graduação, 41,2 por cento eram formados a menos de cinco anos e 91,6 por cento possuíam especialização, mestrado e/ou doutorado. A maioria (97,5 por cento) afirmou avaliar a dieta de crianças submetidas à exclusão do leite de vaca, entretanto, somente 48 por cento o faziam de forma mais detalhadas, incluindo o cálculo da ingestão alimentar. Apenas 38,7 por cento comparam a ingestão alimentar da criança com algum padrão de recomendação. A recomendação diária da ingestão de cálcio para crianças com até 36 meses foi corretamente assinalada por 22 por cento dos pediatras e 60,7 por cento dos nutricionistas (p=0,001). Produtos não adequados como substitutos do leite de vaca seriam recomendados por 66 por cento dos pediatras e 48,3 por cento dos nutricionistas. Com relação à leitura de rótulos de produtos industrializados, 81,6 por cento dos pediatras e 96,4 por cento dos nutricionistas orientam os pais a ler todos os termos que indicam a presença das proteínas do leite de vaca. CONCLUSÕES: Os pediatras e nutricionista demonstraram erro conceitual no que se refere às principais recomendações terapêuticas na alergia às proteínas do leite de vaca.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the knowledge of pediatricians and nutritionists regarding the exclusion diet of cow milk and derivates, with emphasis on questions related to the nutrition of children submitted to such diet. METHODS: Cross-sectional study that enrolled pediatricians (n=53) and nutritionists (n=29) from public hospitals in São Paulo, Brazil, during 2005. Data was collected through self-administered questionnaires. RESULTS: The age of the professionals varied from 21 to 50 years old. Regarding professional experience, 41.2 percent were graduated for less than five years and 91.6 percent had a specialization course, masters and/or PhD degree. The vast majority of professionals (97.5 percent) confirmed that they regularly evaluated the diet of children that needed exclusion of cow milk. However, only 48 percent of the professionals conducted a more detailed evaluation of the diet, including calculations of food ingestion. Only 38.7 percent of the professionals compared child's food ingestion with some recommended pattern. Recommendations for daily ingestion of calcium by children up to the age of 36 months were properly mentioned by 22 percent of the pediatricians and 60.7 percent of the nutritionists (p=0.001). Inadequate cow milk substitute products were recommended by 66 percent of the pediatricians and by 48.3 percent of the nutritionists. Regarding labels of industrialized products, 81.6 percent of the pediatricians and 96.4 percent of the nutritionists advised the parents to look for all terms that could indicate the presence of cow milk protein. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatricians and nutritionists made conceptual errors in their main recommendations regarding the treatment of cow milk protein allergy.

Metano no ar expirado de crianças com constipação crônica funcional / Breath methane in children with chronic constipation

Methane is an intestinal gas which may be excreted in the expired air of about 10% of children. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to investigate methane production by children with functional chronic constipation and methane concentration in the expired air before and after a bowel movement induced by a phosphate enema. METHODS: Seventy-five patients with functional chronic constipation aged from 3 to 13 years were studied. Methane concentration in the expired air was determined using a gas chromatograph (Quintron, model 12i). Methane production was considered present if the breath methane concentration was equal or greater than 3 ppm. RESULTS: Methane production was present in 44 (86.3%) of 51 patients with constipation and fecal soiling versus only 7 (29.2%) of 24 patients with constipation without fecal soiling. After six weeks of therapy for constipation, the number of methane producers decreased by 65.2%. None of the 10 children with normal intestinal habit produced methane. Expired air methane concentration was determined before and after a bowel movement induced by a phosphate enema in 20 patients with impacted stool. From these 20 patients, 12 were methane producers. The median (percentiles 25 and 75 between parenthesis) of methane concentration decreased from 21.5 (15.0-25.5) ppm before to 11.0 (4.0-12.5) ppm after the bowel movement. CONCLUSION: Methane production was associated with chronic constipation with soiling and decreased when impacted stool decreased