The impact of oral nutritional supplementations (ONS) is not well-elucidated in children with stunting.
The aim is to evaluate the effect of ONS on growth in Vietnamese children with stunting.
This 6-month, prospective, single-arm trial evaluated 121 children aged 24–48 months with stunting (height-for-age z-score [HAZ] < -2) and low weight-for-height z-score (WHZ < -1) in Vietnam. Children consumed ONS twice daily. The outcomes included the change in HAZ, WHZ, and weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) from baseline to 3- and 6 months; change in height and weight from baseline to 3- and 6 months; and the prevalence of stunting, wasting (WHZ < -2 SD), and underweight (WAZ < -2 SD) at 6 months. We also examined factors associated with a change in HAZ over the intervention period.
The mean age was 34.7 months and 49% were male. Height and weight increased from baseline to 3- and 6-months (p<0.0001). There was a significant increase in median HAZ (0.25 units), WHZ (0.72 units), and WAZ (0.65 units) from baseline to 6 months (p<0.0001). Notably, approximately 40% of children recovered from stunting at 6 months (p<0.0001). The prevalence of wasting and underweight status were also significantly lower at 6 months (p=0.0310 and p<0.0001, respectively) relative to the baseline. Lower HAZ and younger age at baseline were significantly associated with higher linear growth at 6 months.
ONS helped improve linear and ponderal growth and reduce the prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight status in stunted children at risk of wasting.
Open Peer Review Details | |||
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Manuscript submitted on 10-06-2019 |
Original Manuscript | Effect of Oral Nutritional Supplementation on Growth in Vietnamese Children with Stunting |