Efficacy assessment of supplementary food product in management of PEM among children of 3–6 years

Abstract

The prevalence of protein energy malnutrition (PEM) is assessed about 70% among children under 5. The main reason behind is inadequacy of diet. The present study emphasizes on the management of malnutrition among children. For the purpose a supplementary product ladoo rich in energy and protein was prepared. It was fulfilling 1/3 of day's requirement of energy and protein. Effect of product in management of malnutrition was assessed by assessing changes in anthropometric measurement, dietary intake and presence of clinical signs of PEM among malnourished children after intervention. A pre-post test design was used to assess the effect of supplementary food. To select the 10 normal and 30 malnourished children a preliminary survey was conducted on one hundred five children (3–6 years) of village Bhesana, Jhadol block of Udaipur district (Rajasthan). Due to supplement the weight of children under the entire category increased significantly (p<0.05). The increment observed was 1.07, 1.15 and 0.8 kg for grade I, II and III children, respectively. Dietary intake of all the children under study was poor than the recommended daily allowances. The significant (p<0.05, 0.01) improvement in daily intake was observed due to the supplement contributing about 1/3rd of days requirement. No change was found in clinical examination after intervention of 60 days. The study concluded that the food based approach is effective in management of malnutrition.