Biochemical indices of nutrition reflecting ingestion of a high protein supplement in rural Guatemalan children

Abstract

The biochemical measurements of 19 children attending a supplementation center for 1 year are compared with those of 15 children [See figure in the PDF file] attending a similar center providing no protein or vitamin supplement. The children were 24 to 36 months old. Neither group showed differences in age or sex distribution. The results confirm the value of the urea/creatinine index as a good estimate of differences in protein intake under field conditions. Plasma proteins and albumin reveal no differences in protein nutrition at this subclinical level of malnutrition. Among unsupplemented children a significant negative association between the urea/creatinine ratio and the nonessential to essential amino acid ratio index was found, corroborating the value of this index in regions where the primary source of protein is corn and beans. Higher amino acid ratios than expected were found among children receiving the supplement. None of the children had anemia. Indices of vitamin A and riboflavin nutrition were significantly improved among supplemented children, attesting to the efficacy of the supplement for these nutrients.