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Developmental outcomes among 18-month-old Malawians after a year of complementary feeding with lipid-based nutrient

John C Phuka1, Melissa Gladstone, Kenneth Maleta

  • 1College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi. johnphuka@yahoo.co.uk

Maternal & Child Nutrition
|February 24, 2011
PubMed

Insights

This study compared infant development using lipid-based nutrient supplements versus fortified corn-soy porridge. Both feeding strategies resulted in similar developmental outcomes for Malawian infants by 18 months.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Nutrition Science
  • Developmental Psychology

Background:

  • Infant malnutrition is a significant public health issue in rural Malawi.
  • Complementary feeding strategies are crucial for optimal child development.
  • Assessing the impact of different nutritional supplements on infant development is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the developmental outcomes of 18-month-old infants receiving complementary feeding for one year.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of lipid-based nutrient supplements (FS50, FS25) against micronutrient-fortified corn-soy porridge (Likuni Phala - LP).
  • To identify socio-economic factors associated with developmental outcomes in rural Malawian infants.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving 163 six-month-old rural Malawian infants.
  • Intervention groups received daily supplementation with FS50, FS25, or LP for 12 months.
  • Griffiths' developmental scores were assessed at 0-2 years; data analyzed using ANOVA and multiple regression.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in mean mental ages, raw developmental scores, or developmental quotients were observed among the LP, FS50, and FS25 groups at 18 months.
  • Length-for-age z-score gain and maternal education were significantly associated with developmental outcomes (P=0.03 and P=0.04, respectively).

Conclusions:

  • Daily supplementation with lipid-based nutrient supplements or fortified corn-soy flour for 12 months resulted in comparable infant development outcomes at 18 months.
  • Socio-economic factors, including maternal education and nutritional status (length-for-age z-score gain), play a role in infant development.
  • Both tested nutritional interventions appear effective in supporting infant development in this rural Malawian population.

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