Development of acute malnutrition despite nutritional supplementation in Malawi

Yankho Kaimila, Ryan T. Pitman, Oscar Divala, D. Taylor Hendrixson, Kevin B. Stephenson, Sophia Agapova, Indi Trehan, Ken Maleta, Mark J. Manary

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Malnutrition in children is most often attributed to inadequate nutrient intake. Utilizing data from 2 prospective, randomized controlled trials of complimentary feeding with supplemental legumes (n=693, ages 6-24 months) in 2 Malawian villages, Masenjere, and Limera, we document a high rate 70/693 (10.1%) of acute malnutrition (AM). Risks for AM in this setting, as determined by Cox regression analysis, include study village (hazard ratio [HR] 3.0), prior malnutrition (HR 4.12), stunting (HR 2.87), and a marker of food insecurity (HR 1.89). Comparison of Masenjere to Limera demonstrate adequate and similar nutritional intake yet an increased rate of AM in Masenjere, 56 of 400 (14.0%) versus 14 of 293 (4.8%), and stunting, 140 of 400 (35%) versus 80 of 293 (27%), environmental enteric dysfunction 246 of 400 (71%) versus 181/293 (67%), and infectious symptoms (cough and diarrhea). Masenjere did have cleaner water and less food insecurity 200 of 399 (50.5%) versus 204 of 293 (69.6%). These findings suggest adequate complementary nutrient intake does not protect young children against AM.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)734-737
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition
Volume68
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1 2019

Keywords

  • Malawi
  • complementary feeding
  • dietary intake
  • moderate acute malnutrition
  • severe acute malnutrition

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