[Nutritional recovery in marasmus using soy formula enriched with L-methionine]

It was evaluated the nutritional recovery of infants with marasmus using two different formulas: formula "X", soy based formula enriched con L-methionine; formula "Y" modified milk based formula; both, added with corn syrup at 10%. Seventeen infants were fed formula "X" and seventeen infants received formula "Y". The calorie and water intake were similar in both groups (p greater than 0.05). The protein intake was higher with formula "X" (p less than 0.05). After four weeks of study weight, height, triceps and sub-scapular skinfold, weight/age, height/age and weight/height did not showed significative differences (p greater than 0.05). Arm circumference was higher in the group fed formula "Y" (p less than 0.025). The final serum concentration of total proteins, albumin, calcium and magnesium was also higher in the group receiving formula "Y". It was required a major amount of calories and proteins per unit of gained body weight in the group of formula "X" (p less than 0.05 and p less than 0.005 respectively). Modified in fat and protein milk based formula represents a better choice for nutritional recovery of infants with severe malnutrition under one year of age. Soy based formulas enriched with l-methionine would be only used when intolerance to lactose or milk protein allergy are present.