Why Dietary Supplements?

Abstract

* Abbreviation: ZWH — : z score weight-for-height Nutrition and infection are intimately related,1 and this relationship is important for young children who frequently suffer diarrheal disease and respiratory infections. Although not well defined,2 the quality of diets in young children is likely to have lasting effects on growth and development.3,4 To discover if a nutritional supplement would decrease the number of infections and positively affect the immune system in healthy children, Li et al5 fed children a follow-up formula to which docosahexaenoic acid, yeast β-glucan, and a prebiotic blend of polydextrose and galactooligosaccharides were added. They compared data from these children with a group who were fed cow’s milk in place of the supplemented formula. They found no difference in diarrhea between the 2 groups. There was a modest difference in respiratory illnesses, antibiotic use, and white blood cell count and interleukin-10 levels … Address correspondence to Susan S. Baker, MD, PhD, Digestive Diseases and Nutrition Center, Women and Children’s Hospital, 219 Bryant St, Buffalo, NY 14222. E-mail: sbaker{at}upa.chob.edu