Author: Alarcon PA et al
Source: Clinical Pediatrics, 2003; 42: 209-217
92 children between the ages of three to five years old who had ?picky-eater? behavior and growth decline (defined as weight for height on the growth chart below the 25th percentile) were separated into two groups. The first group (the control group) received physician-oriented nutrition counseling and the second group (the study group) received nutrition counseling plus a pediatric nutrition supplement (Pediasurea formula) for 90 days. The goal of the study was to determine if nutrition counseling alone could improve weight gain in picky eaters versus providing counseling plus a nutrition supplement. Of note, children with any medical conditions, including developmental disabilities, were excluded from the study.
The children were seen every 30 days, when medical history was reviewed, height and weight were measured, appetite and activity levels were evaluated and nutrition counseling was completed. In both groups, parents kept a journal recording any illnesses the child had during the study and rated both food intake and activity on a daily basis (with 0 meaning ?ate very little? or ?not active? and 10 meaning ?ate very much?, ?very active?). Lab values measuring levels of albumin (a measure of the body?s protein status), zinc and iron were collected at the beginning and end of the study.
The study results showed that the children who consumed the nutrition supplement had increased weight gain and higher weight for height percentiles than the children who did not. The frequency of illness (mostly colds and other respiratory infections) was significantly less in the group that consumed the nutrition supplement. Iron and zinc levels were also elevated in that study group compared to the control group, but no changes were seen in protein status.
|
