Effect of Standardized Milk-Based Versus Standardized Non-Milk-Based Formulation on the Biochemical Parameters of Children Aged 6–59 Months with Moderate Acute Malnutrition

Abstract

Differences in composition of dietary formulations could affect the biochemical parameters of under-fives with moderate acute  malnutrition (MAM). To determine the effect of standardized milk-based  formulation (SMBF) versus standardized non-milk-based  formulation (SNMBF) on the biochemical  parameters of under-fives with MAM. Children aged 6-59 months with MAM were randomized  to receive  either SMBF or SNMBF. Blood samples were obtained at baseline and endline for packed cell volume  (PCV), serum protein,  serum electrolytes, urea and creatinine estimation. Changes in biochemical  parameters were considered statistically significant at p  value < 0.05. Seventeen (SMBF group) versus  16 (SNMBF group) children were recruited. Both formulations were associated with a  significant  increase in the mean serum bicarbonate (p = 0.003 and 0.0001) and PCV (p= 0.021 and 0.012), and a  significant reduction in  mean serum albumin (p = 0.003 and 0.006) respectively. The endline mean  serum potassium and globulin were significantly higher in the  SNMBF than the SMBF group (4.71 ±  0.69 vs 4.3 ± 0.20; p = 0.025) and (38.14 ± 9.23 vs 31.45 ± 6.21; p = 0.02) respectively. Serum  globulin  was significantly higher in the SMBF than the SNMBF group (37.32 ± 5.84 vs 20.1 ± 7.04; p = 0.0001).  Both formulations were  associated with a significant increase in the mean PCV and serum bicarbonate.  The endline mean serum potassium and albumin were  higher in the SNMBF than the SMBF group,  while the serum globulin was higher in the SMBF group.