Effect of complementary foods fortified with Moringa oleifera leaf powder on hemoglobin concentration and growth of infants in the Eastern Region of Ghana

Abstract

Complementary foods that are deficient in both macronutrients and micronutrients coupled with a high burden of infections during the complementary feeding period are major underlying causes of child malnutrition in developing countries. Among the recent efforts to combat malnutrition by improving the quality of complementary foods in the developing world is the use of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MLP) as a food fortificant. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to test the effect of feeding MLP‐fortified complementary food on hemoglobin concentration and growth of infants and young children after 4 months of feeding. Infants aged 8–12 months were randomly assigned to receive one of three study foods; Weanimix a cereal‐legume blend formulated with Moringa (MCL‐35g), MLP sprinkled on infants’ usual complementary foods (MS‐5g) and the control food Weanimix without Moringa (CF‐35g). Blood samples for hemoglobin determination as well as dietary intake and anthropometric data were collected at baseline and endline for 237 infants who completed the study. Data analysis was performed with SPSS (version 20) and comparisons were done by analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). There were no significant differences in hemoglobin concentration or growth indicators at endline between the three study groups. Findings of this study indicated that feeding infants a 5 g daily dose of MLP, either as part of a cereal‐legume blend or as a supplement which was sprinkled on infants’ usual complementary foods for 4 months, did not significantly improve infants’ hemoglobin concentration or growth indicators.

Novel Foods and Sustainability as Means to Counteract Malnutrition in Madagascar

“…M. oleifera leaf powder is significantly richer in vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, iron, potassium, and protein than other commonly consumed foods like oranges, carrots, milk, spinach, banana, and yogurt, that are known for high concentration of these specific nutrients [ 29 , 30 ]. Multiple studies have been conducted about the beneficial effect of M. oleifera leaf powder on haemoglobin concentration to counteract anaemia mainly in children [ 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 ] and women of reproductive age [ 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 ] in Africa and Asia. Furthermore, M. oleifera has been used traditionally for the management of diabetes and the maintenance of glycaemic control, however the scientific evidence until now derives mainly from in vitro and animal studies [ 39 , 40 ].…”

Asupan Zat Gizi, Hemoglobin, Albumin Dan Berat Badan Anak Balita Gizi Kurang Yang Diberi Cookies Kelor

“…bahwa perlakuan pemberian cookies kelor tidak ada perbedaan hemoglobin balita gizi kurus. Demikian juga 22 dosis harian 5 gr bubuk Moringa yang ditaburkan pada makanan pendamping bayi yang dilakukan selama 4 bulan tidak secara siginifikan meningkatkan konsentrasi hemoglobin. Penelitian 22 .…”

“…Demikian juga 22 dosis harian 5 gr bubuk Moringa yang ditaburkan pada makanan pendamping bayi yang dilakukan selama 4 bulan tidak secara siginifikan meningkatkan konsentrasi hemoglobin. Penelitian 22 . juga menemukan tidak ada peningkatan yang signifikan kadar hemoglobin pada kelompok yang diberi bubuk kelor anak gizi buruk.…”

Effect of diversified meals only, or either enriched with Amaranthus tricolor and Moringa oleifera leaf powder or commercial micronutrient powder on prevention/treatment of anemia in Adivasi children, West Bengal, India

“…Indigenous nutrient-rich plant sources like Moringa oleifera are increasingly discussed as potential sustainable solution to combat malnutrition in children [88], [89], [90], [91], [92], [93], [94], [95], [96], [97], [98], [99], [100], [101], [102]. Descriptive studies (intra-group comparisons) comment positively on MLP application as preventive or treatment approach however bear distinct limitations:…”