Mitigating aflatoxin exposure to improve child growth in Eastern Kenya: study protocol for a randomized controlled...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Nutrition Science
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Previous studies suggest a link between aflatoxin exposure and stunting, but results are inconclusive due to limited randomized controlled trials.
• Aflatoxin contamination in food, particularly maize, poses a significant public health concern in many regions.
• This research addresses the need for robust evidence on the causal impact of aflatoxin exposure on child development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test the causal impact of reduced aflatoxin exposure on linear growth in children.
• To provide evidence for policymakers and international donors on the importance of aflatoxin control measures.

Main Methods:

• A non-blinded, cluster-randomized controlled trial involving 56 villages in Kenya.
• Intervention group households received monthly maize testing and replacement for aflatoxin levels above 10 ppb.
• Control group villages did not receive the intervention, allowing for comparison.

Main Results:

• The study is ongoing, and results are not yet available.
• Data collection focuses on child linear growth and aflatoxin exposure levels.
• The trial aims to determine if reducing aflatoxin exposure leads to improved child growth outcomes.

Conclusions:

• This is the first randomized controlled trial to investigate the causal relationship between aflatoxin exposure and child growth.
• The findings will inform public health policies and aid allocation for aflatoxin mitigation efforts.
• Regardless of the outcome, the study will contribute valuable data to the field of child nutrition and environmental health.