NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTATION DURING THE PRESCHOOL YEARS AND PHYSICAL WORK CAPACITY IN ADOLESCENT AND YOUNG-ADULT GUATEMALANS

A follow-up study (1988-89) was carried out in 364 rural Guatemalans, 11-27 y of age, who earlier had participated in a nutritional suppleme ntation experiment, Among its objectives was the assessment of the lon g-term effects of the nutrition intervention on physical work capacity . Subjects and their mothers from two villages had available a high-en ergy, high-protein supplement (Atole: 163 kca1/682 kJ and 6.4 g protei n per serving or 180 mL), whereas in two other villages a low-energy, no-protein supplement (Fresco: 59 kcal/247 kJ per 180 mL) was provided , Consumption was ad libitum. Maximum oxygen consumption (VO(2)max) at follow-up was significantly greater in Atole compared with Fresco sub jects of both sexes. In subjects 14-19 y, exposed to supplementation t hroughout gestation and the first 3 y of life, Atole males had a signi ficantly higher VO(2)max (2.62 L/min) than Fresco males (2.24 L/min), the differences remaining significant even after controlling for body weight and fat-free mass; also, there was a significant positive relat ionship between amount of supplement consumed and VO(2)max, The supple mentation effect in females of similar age was not statistically signi ficant. It is concluded that early nutritional improvements can have l ong-lasting effects on physical performance.