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Effect of in-home fortification of complementary feeding on intellectual development of Chinese children

Chun-Ming Chen1, Yu-Ying Wang, Su-Ying Chang

  • 1Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100050, China. chencm@ilsichina.org

Biomedical and Environmental Sciences : BES
|June 3, 2010
PubMed

Insights

In-home fortification of complementary foods significantly improved intellectual development in young Chinese children. This nutritional intervention showed lasting effects on cognitive scores, highlighting its importance for early childhood development.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Early childhood is a critical period for intellectual development.
  • Complementary feeding plays a vital role in providing essential nutrients.
  • Nutritional deficiencies can negatively impact cognitive outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of in-home complementary food fortification on intellectual development.
  • To assess the effects in Chinese children under 24 months of age.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 1,478 children aged 4-12 months, divided into two fortified formula groups and a control group.
  • Fortified food supplements were administered daily to study groups.
  • Developmental Quotient (DQ) and Intelligence Quotient (IQ) were assessed, alongside physical growth and hemoglobin levels.

Main Results:

  • Children in both fortified groups showed significantly higher DQ scores compared to the control group at all follow-up points.
  • Formula 1 group (protein and micronutrients) demonstrated statistically significant higher Full-IQ, Verbal IQ, and Performance IQ scores.
  • The positive effects on intellectual development were observed to be persistent.

Conclusions:

  • In-home fortification of complementary feeding has a lasting positive effect on children's intelligence.
  • Intervention during the critical period, potentially before 18 months, is crucial for cognitive development and anemia correction.
Abstract

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