Effect of Supplementation of Multigrain Laddo for Malnourished Children under 3–5 Years

Abstract

Malnutrition is one of the greatest single threats to the world’s public health among children in developing countries according to the World Health Organization. It affects the child at the most crucial period, that is, stage of development, which can lead to permanent impairment in later life which includes reduced work capacity, growth retardation, and poor social and mental development. Half of all child deaths in India could be prevented if this one issue is tackled. Almost 11 million children die before they reach the age of five, four million of them in the 1st month of life. It is a significant public health problem described as a silent killer, silent emergency and invisible enemy affecting those who cannot express their voice and have to depend on others for their advocacy. The main objective of this study is to determine the effect of supplementation with the selected product on the nutritional status of the selected malnourished children. A baseline survey was conducted in four villages of Allahabad District, U.P. A total number of 382 respondents were selected (187 girls and 195 boys) for the present study. They belong to age group of 3–5 years. Four products were prepared with the help of incorporation composite flour. For each product, the basic recipes (control T0) have three variations T1, T2, and T3, respectively, were incorporated at different levels. The products such as Laddo, Biscuit; Mathri, and Chakli were developed. After supplementation, it is evident to note that there was a statistically significant improvement at 1% level and it was observed in the experimental and there was no increment in the weight of the selected subjects in the control group.