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Effect of protein rich diet during acute phase of dysentery

D Datta1, P Datta, S K Bhattacharya

  • 1National Institute of Cholera & Enteric Diseases, Calcutta.

Insights

Extra protein-rich milk diets did not improve clinical outcomes in young children with acute dysentery. Nutritional supplementation showed no significant impact on recovery or health measurements in this study.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Nutrition Science
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Acute dysentery in children under five can lead to malnutrition.
  • Nutritional support during illness is crucial for recovery.
  • The role of enhanced protein intake during acute illness requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of an extra protein-rich diet on children with acute dysentery.
  • To assess if nutritional supplementation improves clinical outcomes in pediatric dysentery.

Main Methods:

  • Ninety-six children under five with acute dysentery were randomly assigned to a control group (hospital diet) or a study group (hospital diet + extra milk).
  • The extra milk provided 30% of ideal total calorie requirements.
  • Clinical outcomes, anthropometric measurements, and hematological parameters were compared between groups.

Main Results:

  • Both groups experienced a 40% reduction in food intake due to anorexia.
  • No significant differences were observed in clinical outcomes, anthropometric measurements, or hematological parameters between the control and study groups.
  • These findings were consistent at day 7 of hospitalization and day 15 post-discharge.

Conclusions:

  • Supplementing the diet with extra protein-rich milk did not significantly alter clinical outcomes in young children with uncomplicated acute dysentery.
  • Severe anorexia during acute illness may limit the benefits of nutritional interventions.
  • Further research is needed to explore optimal nutritional strategies for pediatric dysentery.

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