Investigation of the potential of fortified instant Matooke flour (ITF) in rehabilitation of malnourished children (Part 2)

Abstract

This study was done to establish potential of instant Tooke (cooking banana) flour (ITF) as a vehicle
food for malnutrition intervention. Hypotheses generated were: (1) There is a significant difference in
response with respect to weight gain between malnourished subjects rehabilitated using fortified IFT
and Mwanamugimu Dietary Regime (MDR); (2) There is a significant difference in response with respect
to serum albumin, ferritin and retinol levels between fortified ITF and MDR. To test the hypotheses, 100
malnourished children admitted at Mwanamugimu Nutrition Unit in Uganda, were randomly allocated to
a test (IFT diet from part I of study) or control (MDR diet) group. Growth rates and food intake were
measured daily, while blood samples were withdrawn during recruitment and before discharge for
testing serum albumin, ferritin and retinol levels. Means were compared using SPSS version 11. The test
and control diets were adequate in protein but relatively lower for energy against RDA. Protein and
energy intake in the test group was significantly (P < 0.05) higher for porridge, while protein intake in the
control group was significantly (P < 0.05) higher for kitoobero. Weight gain in the test was significantly
(P < 0.05) higher than the control group. However, both groups showed no significant difference in the
bio-chemical indicators. The superiority of fortified ITF formulation over the MDR was proved with
respect to weight gain but not for the biochemical indicators. Hypothesis one was accepted but two was
rejected.