The Efficacy of Egg White Powder on Anthropometric Indices in Malnourished Children

Abstract

Background: White egg powder provides essential amino acids compounds. This study aims to investigate the theory that a regular consumption of white egg powder would improve weight gain and appetite in children with malnutrition. Methods: The present experimental study was conducted among children aged 3-6 years with mild to severe malnutrition referred to Ghadir Mother and Child Hospital affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences from April to October 2017. The malnourished children received egg white protein (1 g/kg of their current body weight) for 3 weeks. Weight loss as a primary outcome and weight-for-height Z-score (WHZ), height-for-age Z-score (HAZ), weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ), and BMI-for-age Z-score (BAZ) were measured as secondary outcomes, assessed at baseline and after six weeks of study. Results: Of the 23 children included, 20 finished the study. Weight increased in all children although it was not significant (P = 0.101). A lower appetite was seen at the end of the intervention, but it was not significant (P = 0.575). Malnutrition based on WHZ and BAZ decreased compared to the baseline measurement, while the changes were not significant. Regarding other markers, no statistically significant changes were found compared to the baseline measurement. Conclusion: The addition of white egg powder to complementary nutrition could not improve weight gain and appetite in malnourished children. Further research with a larger study population and longer intervention time is needed to demonstrate the clear effect of egg white on improving malnutrition in children.