A new recovery diet for use in the treatment of malnutrition - abstract

ABSTRACT

The standard high energy formula used in the rehabilitation of malnourished children does not promote optimal tissue synthesis. This may be attributed to an inadequate supply of certain nutrients in the diet. A new diet containing adequate amounts of nutrients was therefore fed to eight malnourished children throughout their stay in hospital and their dietary intakes carefully monitored. Measurements of weight, height, blood chemistry and body composition (using whole body impedance) were carried out. These data were compared to similar measurements made on thirteen children who had recovered on the standard recovery diet. Age and weight-for-height of the two groups of children were not significantly different on admission. Results showed a mean (ñSD) weight gain of 2.36ñ0.69 kg on the test diet. This was significantly greater (p<0.05) than the weight gain on the standard diet (1.71 ñ 0.54 kg). Mean rate of weight gain (RWG) on the test diet was 10.1 ñ 0.7 g/kg/day). This was not significantly different (p=0.05) from the RWG on the standard diet (11.7 ñ 0.9 g/kg/day). Mean cost of growth (COG) also did not differ on either diet. COG in test subjects was 5.1 ñ 0.5 kcal/g, while COG in control subjects was 4.8 ñ 0.5 kcal/g. Body composition of test and control subjects was the same at discharge 21.8 per cent fat and 78.2 per cent lean tissue. Gain in lean tissue was 57 per cent on the test diet and 61.5 per cent on the standard diet. This difference was not significant. Measurements done on red blood cell glutathione, and plasma zinc, copper, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase and vitamin E showed that there was an improvement in the blood chemistry of children on the test diet in comparison to the standard diet. In conclusion, biochemical recovery occurred on the test diet; the growth and body composition achieved was similar on the test and standard diets (AU)