Comparative Analysis of Nutritional Advice and a Combined Approach for Addressing Impending Stunting in Infants: A Clinical Trial.

Weight faltering (WF) has been associated with stunting and with long-term adverse consequences for health and development. Nutritional care for managing WF may consist of giving nutritional advice (NA) and/or provision of oral nutrition supplements (ONSs). In this study, we aimed to evaluate practical management options in the community for infants with WF aged 6-12 months. This nonrandomized clinical trial was conducted in the community of Makassar, South Sulawesi, from March 2022 to March 2023. A total of 1013 infants were enrolled for screening. Anthropometric measures were performed in 913 infants, of which 170 showed WF below the 15th percentile of the WHO weight increment table without stunting. Infants with a weight increment below P5th were assigned to receive NA plus ONS, while infants between P5th and below P15th were assigned to receive only NA. At the second and third months, ONSs were administered to WF infants who were below P15th. One month after the intervention, 87/105 infants in the NA-plus-ONS group (82.8%) and 52/65 infants in the NA-only group (80%) were no longer WF. After 3 months, infants in the NA-plus-ONS group achieved greater weight gain than infants in the NA group (264.1 g vs. 137.4 g, p < 0.001) as well as greater length gain (2.35 cm vs. 2.14 cm, p < 0.001). WF management should be started at below P15th to achieve a better result. Infants with greater nutritional deficits should be assigned to receive the combination of NA plus ONSs to achieve a higher rate of resolution of growth.

Effects of probiotics on immunity and iron homeostasis: A mini-review.

Iron deficiency remains a major problem in both developed and developing countries. Iron supplementation has been used as a standard intervention for the prevention and treatment of iron deficiency anemia (IDA). There are many factors affecting the efficacy, including stunting, infections or inflammations, and genetics. Recently, some studies have been conducted to further investigate the effects of probiotics on immunity and iron homeostasis. This mini review discusses about some important factors that can improve the management of IDA.

Correlation between vitamin D deficiency and fasting blood glucose levels in obese children.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the relationship between Deficiency of vitamin D and hyperglycemia in children with obesity. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out between February and April of 2020. This study's subject population consisted of high school students aged 11 to 17 who were obese. The 25 (OH) level of Vitamin D was determined using the Chemiluminescence Immune Assay method. Subjects were divided into 4 groups; vitamin D deficiency with hyperglycemia, vitamin D deficiency without hyperglycemia, normal vitamin D with hyperglycemia, and normal vitamin D without hyperglycemia. RESULTS: The prevalence of hyperglycemia was 28 (54.9%) in the vitamin D deficiency group and 17 (378%) in the normal vitamin D group, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.093). With p = 0.031, there was a significant difference in the mean value of fasting blood sugar levels between the two groups. The frequency of hyperglycemia was 54.9 percent in the vitamin D deficiency group and 37.8 percent in the normal vitamin D group. Fasting blood sugar levels were lower in obese children with vitamin D deficiency than in children with normal vitamin D. CONCLUSION: Fasting blood sugar levels were correlated with vitamin D levels in obese children, but clinically insignificant. However, the research is ongoing, so, it is critical to conduct early screening for Vitamin D and fasting blood sugar levels in order to reduce the risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

Risk Factors and Nutritional Profiles Associated with Stunting in Children.

PURPOSE: To analyze risk factors and various nutrients associated with stunting among children aged 6-60 months. METHODS: This is a case-control and cross-sectional study between 40 stunting cases and 40 controls. Data on possible risk factors associated with stunting were obtained through direct interviews and using a questionnaire. Examination of vitamin D, zinc, albumin, and ferritin levels was performed on both groups. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0 (IBM Co., Armonk, NY, USA) to determine risk factors for stunting and to assess the relationship between nutritional levels and stunting. RESULTS: The incidence of stunting was highest in children aged 12-36 months. Children with low weight and very low weight for age comprised of 55% and 22.5%, respectively, of the study participants. The highest mother's educational level was junior high school (40%). History of low birth weight (LBW) was more commonly observed in the stunting group than that in the control group (25.0% and 7.5%, respectively; p=0.034, odds ratio, 0.310 [95% confidence interval, 0.122-0.789]). Approximately 7.5% of cases had premature birth. Exclusive breast feeding was found to be not correlated with stunting. The mean zinc level in the stunting group was 34.17 ng/mL, which was different from that in the control group (50.83 ng/mL) (p=0.023). Blood ferritin, vitamin D, albumin, and calcium levels were not strongly correlated with stunting. CONCLUSION: LBW is the main risk factor contributing to stunting and is strongly associated with low zinc level.