Investigation of the potential of fortified instant matooke flour (ITF) in rehabilitation of malnourished children. Part II: Testing potential of ITF as a vehicle food for malnutrition intervention.

Abstract

This study was done to establish potential of instant Tooke (cooking banana) flour (ITF) as a vehicle food for malnutrition intervention. Hypotheses generated were: (1) There is a significant difference in response with respect to weight gain between malnourished subjects rehabilitated using fortified IFT and Mwanamugimu Diatery Regime (MDR); (2) There is a significant difference in response with respect to serum albumin, ferritin and retinol levels between fortified ITF and MDR. To test the hypotheses, 100 malnourished children admitted at Mwanamugimu Nutrition Unit in Uganda, were randomly allocated to a test (IFT diet from part I of study) or control (MDR diet) group. Growth rates and food intake were measured daily, while blood samples were withdrawn during recruitment and before discharge for testing serum albumin, ferritin and retinol levels. Means were compared using SPSS version 11. The test and control diets were adequate in protein but relatively lower for energy against RDA. Protein and energy intake in the test group was significantly (P < 0.05) higher for porridge, while protein intake in the control group was significantly (P < 0.05) higher for kitoobero. Weight gain in the test was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the control group. However, both groups showed no significant difference in the bio-chemical indicators. The superiority of fortified ITF formulation over the MDR was proved with respect to weight gain but not for the biochemical indicators. Hypothesis one was accepted but two was rejected. Key words: Instant tooke flour (ITF), matooke, malnourished, rehabilitation.