Burkinabe infants given small quantity lipid‐based nutrient supplements and illness treatment in infancy score higher in motor, language, and personal‐social development (251.1)

Abstract

Conception to age two years is a crucial period for brain growth and development of motor, cognitive, and socio‐emotional skills. Many children in developing countries fail to reach their developmental potential in these areas. Small‐quantity lipid‐based nutrient supplements (SQ‐LNS) during infancy may improve these aspects of development, which depend on adequate nutrition. Zinc is a key nutrient, which affects brain development through its role in DNA and RNA synthesis and macronutrient metabolism.In a partially masked, placebo‐controlled, randomized trial, communities in rural Burkina Faso were assigned to intervention (IC) or non‐intervention communities (NIC). 2469 eligible IC children were randomly assigned to receive 20g LNS/day with varying amounts of zinc, and treatment of malaria and diarrhea from 9‐18 months of age. Children in NIC (n=797) did not receive any intervention during the same period. Motor, language, and personal‐social development was assessed at 18 months in a subgroup (n=747 IC; n=376 NIC).Children in IC scored 0.33 SD higher in motor, 0.33 SD higher in language, and 0.30 SD higher in personal‐social development than children in NIC. Compared to NIC 52%, 45%, and 60% fewer children in IC were in the lowest decile of motor, language, and personal‐social scores, respectively. Children who received different amounts of zinc in LNS (0 or 10 mg) or a tablet (5 mg) did not differ significantly in 18‐month motor, language, or personal‐scores.Providing SQ‐LNS daily with or without zinc along with malaria and diarrhea treatment significantly improved motor, language, and personal‐social development in young Burkinabe children.Grant Funding Source: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation