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Updated: May 2, 2026

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Effectiveness of Nutrition-Specific Interventions for Reducing Child Stunting: A Systematic Review of Evidence

Eman Salim Ahmed Salim1,2, Veni Hadju3

  • 1Department of Immunology, The National Ribat University, Khartoum, Sudan.

International Journal of Public Health
|May 1, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Nutrition-specific interventions, like supplements and fortified foods, can improve child linear growth and reduce stunting in the first 1,000 days. Early, sustained delivery in high-need areas yields the best results for child nutrition.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Nutrition Science
  • Global Health

Background:

  • Child stunting remains a critical global health issue, particularly during the first 1,000 days of life.
  • Nutrition-specific interventions are crucial for addressing linear growth faltering and its long-term consequences.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the effectiveness of nutrition-specific interventions on child linear growth.
  • To assess the impact of these interventions on reducing stunting in early childhood.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review adhering to PRISMA 2020 guidelines.
  • Searched major databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane) up to September 2025.
  • Included RCTs, cluster-RCTs, cohort, and quasi-experimental studies; narrative synthesis due to heterogeneity.

Main Results:

  • Thirteen studies from Asia, Africa, and Latin America were analyzed.
  • Lipid-based nutrient supplements, fortified foods, and food-based strategies showed modest improvements in length-for-age z-scores and stunting reduction.
  • Interventions demonstrated greater efficacy when initiated early and implemented in food-insecure regions with high baseline stunting.

Conclusions:

  • Nutrition-specific interventions are effective for improving child linear growth during the critical first 1,000 days.
  • Early and sustained delivery enhances intervention impact.
  • Context-sensitive and integrated implementation strategies are vital for maximizing effectiveness.
Abstract

Keywords:
LNSchild growthmaternal nutritionmicronutrientsnutrition-specific intervention

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