Impact of an Oral Nutrition Supplement on the Nutritional Status of Stunted and At-Risk of Stunting Children: A Community-Based Intervention Trial.

Linear growth measured by height-for-age Z-score improved significantly over time in both stunted and at-risk children after 180 days of oral nutrition supplementation.

• Improvement in HAZ was statistically significant over time (p < 0.001)
• A significant time-by-group interaction (p = 0.014) indicated differential effects between the stunted and at-risk groups
• Post hoc analysis showed HAZ improvements from baseline (T0) to 180 days in both stunted and at-risk groups (p < 0.001)
• The stunted group demonstrated a greater mean change in HAZ compared with the at-risk group

The number of stunted children declined by 37.8% following the 180-day intervention.

• The decline in number of stunted children was statistically significant (p = 0.003)
• At baseline, 37 children (41%) were stunted and 54 (59%) were at risk of stunting
• Children had HAZ scores between <-1.0 SD and >-3 SD at enrollment based on WHO Growth Standards

Nutrient intakes of multiple macronutrients and micronutrients improved significantly following supplementation.

• Significant improvements were observed in intakes of protein, vitamin D, vitamin C, and vitamin B-complex
• Mineral intakes including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron also improved significantly
• Nutrient intake was assessed using 24-hour dietary recalls at baseline, 90 days, and 180 days

The study was conducted as a community-based, single-arm intervention among 91 children in Kelantan, Malaysia.

• Children were aged 12-36 months with a mean age at baseline of 26.7 ± 6.6 months (range 12.9-36.0 months)
• The intervention consisted of a daily intake of 510 mL of an oral nutritional supplement for 180 days
• Anthropometric measurements were collected at three time points: baseline (T0), 90 days (T90), and 180 days (T180)
• Compliance was monitored via returned empty sachets