Background: Undernutrition including micronutrient deficiency results in adverse health-related outcomes in children of low-medium income countries. This study aims to explore the effect of four weeks of Lipid-based nutritional supplement (LNS) on energy intake, anthropometry and micronutrient status in moderate acute malnourished children. Methods Thirty-four children with mean age 7.08±1.47 years and a BMI Z score between -2 and -3 SDS were randomized into LNS and Placebo groups in a single blind randomized control trial. Energy intake, fasting blood samples, and anthropometric measurements were obtained prior to and after four weeks of LNS (535 kcal) or Placebo (92kcal) supplementation in addition to their habitual dietary intake. Results: During four weeks of supplementation, energy intake (kcal) [(611±155) to (987±224), p<0.001)], weight (kg) [(17.5±2.83) to (18.1±3.24), p< 0.001], mid-upper arm circumference (cm) [(14.8±0.91) to (15.1±0.84), p=0.005)] and BMI (kg/m2) [(12.9±0.33) to (13.3±0.45), p=0.002] was significantly improved in the LNS group compared to Placebo. A significant increase in hemoglobin (g/ml) [(12.2±1.14) to (13.7±1.69), p<0.01] and iron levels (µg/dl) [(0.36±0.09) to (0.67±0.20), p<0.001] were observed in the LNS group. No significant differences were detected in the copper and zinc levels. Conclusion: Lipid-based nutritional supplement is effective in improving energy intake, nutritional outcomes and iron but not copper and zinc. The trial was registered at www.isrctn.com under reference: ISRCTN147181521.

Background: Malnutrition is a major health problem specially effecting children under the age of 5 years. Malnutrition has serious outcomes such as suppressed immune system, delayed and stunted growth, slow wound healing etc. Objective: To look into the impact of a lipid-based nutritional supplement on caloric intake, appetite, glucose and insulin levels of school going children of age 5-10years. Methods: In this single blind randomized controlled trial, 38 children with BMI (Z score between-2 and -3SDS) were randomly allocated to Lipid based nutritional supplements & Placebo groups. They were given supplements (535kcal) /Placebo (92kcal). They were served ad libitum buffet meals (breakfast and lunch). The appetite responses were measured by marking the Likert scale questionnaire at 0, 30, 60, 120, 150, 180, 210 and 240 minutes. The total caloric intake was calculated for the ad libitum buffet breakfast and lunch. The insulin and glucose levels were measured using COBAS C3 analyzer. Result: On the trial day, there was no significant difference in total caloric intake between lipid based nutritional supplements LNS (766.3272.4) kcal and Placebo (806311.5) kcal. Appetite was measured using a Likert scale, but no significant differences were found between the two groups. There was also no significant difference between glucose in the LNS vs. PLACEBO, i.e. (929.13 vs.97.111.7) mg/dL and insulin (1.6±0.97 vs. 2.09±1.15) µU/mL in both the groups. Conclusion: In mildly underweight children the Lipid based nutritional supplements reduces the caloric intake from the regular habitual diet, which extends to the lunch time. This suppression of caloric intake might be related to the changes in appetite.