Effect of oral supplementation on catch-up growth in picky eaters

Ninety-two subjects ages 36 to 60 months who had picky-eater behavior and evidence of growth faltering were randomized to receive either nutrition counseling alone, or nutrition counseling plus a nutritional supplement (Study) for 90 days. The Study group had significantly greater increases in weight and height. There were no significant differences between groups in changes in appetite or activity levels, or in gastrointestinal symptom scores. The percent of subjects who developed upper respiratory tract infections was significantly lower in the Study group. These data suggest that a nutritional supplement in addition to nutrition counseling promote catch-up growth and may contribute to lower rates of infectious disease in children with picky eater behavior.