THE RECOVERY OF GUATEMALAN CHILDREN WITH MILD-TO-MODERATE WASTING - FACTORS ENHANCING THE IMPACT OF SUPPLEMENTARY FEEDING

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that enh ance the recovery due to supplementary feeding in wasted children. Met hods. Recovery rates were obtained in mild to moderately wasted 6- to 48-month-old rural Guatemalan children living in four villages. Childr en in two villages received a high protein-energy supplement (suppleme nted children), while children in the other villages received a low pr otein-energy supplement (nonsupplemented children). The difference in recovery rates between the groups was the attributable benefit. The ne t supplementation amounted to 11% of the recommended energy intake and its associated nutrients. Results. Attributable supplement benefits w ere achieved in younger children (6 to 24 months old) and increased wi th decreasing weight for length, longer duration of supplementation. a nd duration of diarrhea, but not with chronicity of wasting. Conclusio ns. Supplementation's effectiveness can be improved in similar populat ions by programs targeted according to these findings.