Adding alpha-amylase to weaning food to increase dietary intake in children. A randomized controlled trial

The addition of alpha-amylase to a food supplement for weaning-age children was proposed as an alternative to traditionally prepared Amylase-Rich Foods (ARF) for reducing the dietary bulk of weaning diets. In a self-controlled clinical trial including 30 healthy children, aged 10-24 months, the effect of the addition of alpha-amylase and extra cereal to a diet including three meals, was determined in terms of dietary intake. A mean increased intake of 23.8 per cent in energy and 10.4 per cent in protein was found. The addition of commercial alpha-amylase to maize-based weaning foods is a useful method of increasing the nutritional value of weaning diets.