Abstract
BackgroundFood-assisted maternal and child health and nutrition (FA-MCHN) programs may foster child growth during the first 1000 d (pregnancy and the first 2 y of a child's life), but evidence is scant.ObjectiveWe evaluated the impact of an FA-MCHN program, PROCOMIDA, on linear growth (stunting [length-for-age z score (LAZ) < –2] and length-for-age difference [LAD]) among children aged 1–24 mo. PROCOMIDA was implemented in Guatemala by Mercy Corps and was available to beneficiaries throughout the first 1000 d.MethodsWe used a longitudinal, cluster-randomized controlled trial with groups varying in family ration sizes [full (FFR), reduced (RFR), and none (NFR)] and individual ration types provided to mothers (pregnancy to 6 mo postpartum) and children (6–24 mo of age) [corn-soy blend (CSB), lipid-based nutrient supplement (LNS), micronutrient powder (MNP)]: 1) FFR + CSB (n = 576); 2) RFR + CSB (n = 575); 3) NFR + CSB (n = 542); 4) FFR + LNS (n = 550); 5) FFR + MNP (n = 587); 6) control (n = 574). Program impacts compared with control, and differential impacts between groups varying family ration size or individual ration type, were assessed through the use of linear mixed-effects models and post hoc simple effect tests (significant if P < 0.05).Results PROCOMIDA significantly reduced stunting at age 1 mo in FFR + CSB, RFR + CSB, and FFR + MNP groups compared with control [5.05, 4.06, and 3.82 percentage points (pp), respectively]. Stunting impact increased by age 24 mo in FFR + CSB and FFR + MNP relative to control (impact = 11.1 and 6.5 pp at age 24 mo, respectively). For CSB recipients, the FFR compared with RFR or NFR significantly reduced stunting (6.47–9.68 pp). CSB reduced stunting significantly more than LNS at age 24 mo (8.12 pp).ConclusionsFA-MCHN programs can reduce stunting during the first 1000 d, even in relatively energy/food-secure populations. Large family rations with individual rations of CSB or MNP were most effective. The widening of impact as children age highlights the importance of intervening throughout the full first 1000 d.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01072279.
Highlights
The first 1000 d of a child’s life is a critical window for linear growth and development
The only other differences within treatment groups were limited to larger household size in the FFR + corn-soy blend (CSB) group and to less educated mothers in the FFR + micronutrient powders (MNPs) group for excluded compared with included households
Positive program impacts were evident at 1 mo of age and increased over time up to 24 mo of age among children in the groups that received the FFR with CSB or MNP
Summary
The first 1000 d of a child’s life (from pregnancy through 24 mo of age) is a critical window for linear growth and development. A seminal study begun in the late 1960s demonstrated that providing supplementary food to Guatemalan children in early childhood increased growth, with the largest effects among children who were exposed to the high-energy/protein food supplements in their first 3 y, compared with those exposed when they were 3–7 y of age [4, 5]. These benefits were sustained in adolescence and translated into positive human capital and economic outcomes during adulthood [6].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
