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A New Dietary Supplement Based on Bovine Blood: Recovering Brazilian Children from Malnutrition
N R Teodósio1, E P Perez2, A J Alves3,4
1a Departamento de Nutrição , da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco , Rua Prof. Nelson Chaves, S/N. 50670-901 Recife PE , Brazil.
Insights
This study shows that Prothemol and Plasmel, bovine blood-derived supplements, effectively improved weight, height, and clinical signs in malnourished Brazilian children. Treated children experienced faster recovery from malnutrition symptoms compared to controls.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Pediatrics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Malnutrition in children is a significant global health issue, impacting physical and cognitive development.
- Dietary interventions using protein-rich sources are crucial for addressing nutritional deficiencies.
- Bovine blood products offer a potential source of high-quality protein and essential micronutrients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a novel dietary supplement, Prothemol + Plasmel, in treating malnourished children.
- To assess the impact of the supplement on anthropometric measurements, hematological parameters, and clinical signs of malnutrition.
Main Methods:
- A controlled study involving malnourished children aged 32-60 months in Recife, Brazil.
- Children received Prothemol (desiccated bovine red cells) and Plasmel (bovine plasma, saccharose, retinol) for 90 or 180 days.
- Comparison with age-matched control groups to analyze differences in growth, hematology, and clinical recovery.
Main Results:
- Prothemol + Plasmel supplementation led to significantly greater increases in weight and height compared to controls.
- Improvements were observed in key hematological parameters in the supplemented group.
- Malnourished children receiving the supplement showed faster recovery from clinical signs of malnutrition, including apathy and reduced social interaction.
Conclusions:
- Prothemol + Plasmel is an effective dietary intervention for combating childhood malnutrition.
- The supplement aids in the recovery of clinical signs associated with malnutrition, potentially indicating improved neural function.
- Bovine blood-derived compounds represent a promising strategy for nutritional support in vulnerable pediatric populations.
Abstract:
Two compounds ("Prothemol" and "Plasmel"), based on bovine blood as source of high quality-protein, were tested as supplement for malnourished children. Prothemol is a powder containing desiccated bovine red cells, with 23.32 g% protein and 18.8 mg% iron, without any limiting amino acid. Plasmel (a syrup) contains 44.7% bovine plasma, 54.3% saccharose and 1500 IU% retinol. Children, 32-60 month old, from a day-nursery service in Recife, Brazil, received Prothemol + Plasmel for 90 (n = 14) or 180 days (n = 8). When compared to age-matched control children (n = 12 and n = 6, respectively), they presented significantly higher increments in weight and height, and in some haematological parameters. Clinical signs associated to malnutrition (faces suggesting suffering or sadness; brightnessless eyes; apathy; reduced mobility; reduced communication with their classmates and adults) were found in 12 treated children (85.7%) and in 9 controls (75%). Recovery from these signs begun after 51 ± 20.6 and 103.5 ± 14.6 days, for the treated and control groups, respectively (P < 0.05) and occurred in 100% of the treated children and in 67% (6 of 9 children) in the controls. We suggest that Prothemol + Plasmel is an effective dietary supplement to help treating malnutrition in children, recovering them from clinical signs indicative of improving neural functions.
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