Animal Source Foods Improve Dietary Quality, Micronutrient Status, Growth and Cognitive Function in Kenyan School Children: Background, Study Design and Baseline Findings

Abstract

A previous longitudinal three-country study in Egypt, Kenya and Mexico found significant positive associations between intake of animal source foods (ASF) and growth, cognitive development and physical activity. To test for a causal relationship, a controlled school feeding intervention study was designed to test the hypotheses that ASF would improve micronutrient status, growth and cognitive function in Kenyan primary school children. Twelve rural Kenyan schools with 554 children were randomized to four feeding interventions using a local vegetable stew as the vehicle. The groups were designated as Meat, Milk, Energy and Control, who received no feedings. Feeding was carried out on school days for seven terms during 21 mo. Preintervention baseline measures included nutritional status, home food intake, anthropometry, biochemical measures of micronutrient status, malaria, intestinal parasites, health status and cognitive and behavioral measures. The measurements of each child were repeated at intervals over 2 y. Baseline data revealed stunting and underweight in approximately 30% of children and widespread inadequate intakes and/or biochemical evidence of micronutrient deficiencies, particularly of iron, zinc, vitamins A and B-12, riboflavin and calcium. Little or no ASF were eaten and fat intake was low. Malaria was present in 31% of children, and hookworm, amebiasis and giardia were widely prevalent. The outcomes measured were rates of change or increase during the intervention in cognitive function, growth, physical activity and behavior and micronutrient status. Hierarchical linear random effects modeling was used for analysis of outcomes.

Effectiveness of an educational intervention on complementary feeding practices and growth in rural China: a cluster randomised controlled trial

“…The results showed that 96?9 % of infants in the intervention group were fed meats or organ meats at age 12 months, nearly double that reported by the control group (58?2 %). Findings from previous observational and randomised controlled studies have shown positive effects of animal-source foods on child growth and cognitive development (22)(23)(24)(25) , and therefore researchers have advocated the use of animal-source food to address maternal and child malnutrition problems in developing countries (26) . In October 2008, the WHO re-emphasised the role of the animalsource foods as 'the first and most effective choice to treat moderately malnourished children' (27) .…”

The roles of livestock in developing countries

“…Consumption of even small amounts of animal source foods has been shown to contribute substantially to ensuring dietary adequacy and preventing undernutrition and nutritional deficiencies (Neumann et al, 2003). Extensive longitudinal studies in Egypt, Kenya and Mexico (Neumann et al, 2003) have shown strong associations between intake of animal source foods and better growth, cognitive function and physical activity of children, better pregnancy outcomes and reduced morbidity from illness.…”

“…Extensive longitudinal studies in Egypt, Kenya and Mexico (Neumann et al, 2003) have shown strong associations between intake of animal source foods and better growth, cognitive function and physical activity of children, better pregnancy outcomes and reduced morbidity from illness. Consumption of adequate amounts of micronutrients, such as those that can be found in animal source foods, is associated with more competent immune systems and better immune responses (Keusch and Farthing, 1986).…”

What are the key factors influencing consumers’ preference and willingness to pay for meat products in EasternDRC?

“…The projected increase in meat consumption is a sign of a better future with regard to malnutrition levels among the poor in lower‐income countries who suffer from micronutrient deficiencies and mainly depend on high fiber and phytate plant‐based staples (Neumann et al., 2003). The impact of malnutrition is globally estimated to be as high as US$3.5 trillion per year or US$500 per individual (FAO, 2013).…”