American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol 21, 1355-1365, Copyright © 1968 by The American Society for Clinical Nutrition, Inc.

Studies on Microatomized Protein Foods Based on Blends of Low Fat Groundnut, Soy, and Sesame Flours, and Skim-Milk Powder and Fortified with Vitamins, Calcium Salts, and Limiting Amino Acids

V. Relative Efficacy in the Treatment of Kwashiorkor

¹ From the Discipline of Applied Nutrition and Dietetics, Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore-2, India

Twenty children suffering from kwashiorkor were treated with microatomized protein food (MAPF) II, based on a 4:4:2 blend of peanut, soya, and sesame flours and the microatomized protein food IV based on a 7:3 blend of soya flour and skim-milk powder and fortified with desired amounts of vitamins A and D, thiamine and riboflavin, and calcium salts. MAPF II and IV could be administered in a fluid form and taken more readily by kwashiorkor children, and thus the initial anorexia was most easily overcome.

Though slight differences were observed with MAPF II and IV in their clinical response, considering the data as a whole, the two foods when tested at an intake of 5 g protein/kg body wt per day were quite effective in initiating a cure of kwashiorkor. No significant differences were observed in the absorption and retention of nitrogen from MAPF II and IV. The foods, though of vegetable origin, were well absorbed. The percentage of nitrogen retentions was a little low; this may have been due to the high level of intake (5 g protein/kg body wt per day).