The Efficacy of Malunggay Leaves Sprinkle in Improving the Height and Weight, Iron and Vitamin A Status of 8-10 Years Old Schoolchildren.

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The Efficacy of Malunggay Leaves Sprinkle in Improving the Height and Weight, Iron and Vitamin A Status of 8-10 Years Old Schoolchildren Methods: Participants were underweight children aged 8 – 10 years, grouped into 60 control and 61 experimental. The experimental group was fed snack foods with 3 g of MLP. The control group was given the same snack foods without MLP. Feeding was supervised. Height and weight, food intake, and biochemical parameters (hemoglobin, ferritin, and retinol) were measured before and after 120 feeding days. Results: Consumption of snack foods for 120 days significantly increased nutrient intakes of the children. Greatest increase was recorded for vitamin A intake of children given 3 g MLP. The endline vitamin A intake was more than the requirement for Vitamin A. Increase in height and weight was recorded for both groups. Proportion of severely thin children decreased from 11.7% to 5.0% among children with MLP. Increase in hemoglobin levels was greater in children with MLP. Retinol levels increased in both groups. Conclusions: Regular consumption of malunggay leaves may help alleviate VAD and IDA.