Nutritional Evaluation of an Indigenous Low Cost Protein Food

Abstract

A study of supplementary feeding was conducted on children with a protein food (edible fish powder in the form of 'chutney') for 35 days and the effect assessed periodically. The most noticeable effect was gain in weight and mid arm circumference in children. 35 % children showed a weight gain of 1 kg, 27% 0.5 kg, 21% 1.5 kg and 2.5% 2.5 kg. 48% children registered an increase in their mid arm circumference by 0.5 em, 16% 1 em and 2.5% 1.5 em. 10% children did not gain weight. However, these children had intercurrent infections like measles, whooping cough and asthma.