Effectiveness of Cereals and Soy Protein‐Based Formulas on Health Status of Young Children with Acute Diarrhea

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the effects of three powder formulas based on rice, wheat, and barley on health status of young children with acute diarrhea. Three powder formulas were prepared; first formula (PRF) based on parboiled brown rice (30%) and hibiscus (5%); second formula (GWF) based on germinated wheat (30%) and chicory (5%); and 3rd formula (GBF) based on germinated barely (30%) and purslane (5%). The three formulas contained the same amounts from other food ingredients. This study carried out on 48 hospitalized children with acute diarrhea from Bab El Shaareya University Hospital, Cairo, Egypt. All children with inclusion criteria including age <36 months, acute diarrhea for 3 days, and mild dehydration were enrolled in the study. The children were classified into four groups (12 each) all of them received routine treatment in addition to suggested formula (160 g/day) except for control group who received routine treatment only. Blood samples for determination of complete blood picture, albumin, total protein, sodium, potassium and total solids were collected at baseline and after intervention. Also, consistency and frequency of stools were recorded every 3hrs. The results showed that failure to thrive was predominant among all studied children. The recovery from infections was faster in wheat group than other groups, also the recovery from diarrhea among wheat group was significantly the fastest than control and other groups (6.7±1.32 vs. 9.3±3.2, 8.1±2.57, and 8.1±3.85 days respectively). In conclusion, wheat based formula had the greatest and fastest effect on infection and diarrhea parameters among young children.