Impact of Spirulina Chikki Supplementation on Nutritional Status of Children: An Intervention Study in Tumkur District of Karnataka, India

Abstract

ObjectiveTo assess the impact of Spirulina Chikki supplementation on the nutritional status of children (6 months−6 years).DesignA cross-sectional study design was adopted to assess the changes in nutritional status among the children (after 12 months of intervention period). The bassline and endline assessment were carried out from September 2020 to August 2021, respectively.SettingTotal 106 villages (108 Anganwadi Centers in nine circles) from Tumkur District were covered.MethodsChildren aged 6 months−6 years were the study subjects. Anthropometric measurements viz., height, weight, and mid-arm circumference were collected from total 971 and 838 children during baseline and endline assessments correspondingly. The information on children's health and nutrition status was gathered from the mothers of sampled children. WHO's Anthro and AnthroPlus software were utilized to estimate the anthropometric measurements (Stunting, wasting, and underweight) of study participants.ResultsThe study found apparent disparities in the prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight among the male and female children. There was a significant decline viz., 4% (28.6%-baseline to 24.5%-end line) in the prevalence of severe wasting. Also, severe stunting dropped by 6% at end line (30%-end-line to 24%-baseline). Improvement in nutritional status was evident among both female male children in all three indicators stunting, wasting, and underweight. Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) measurement shows substantial improvements from baseline to end line: SAM (5.3–0.6%), MAM (23–9%), and normal (72–91%). The study discloses significant improvements in the nutritional status among those children who consumed spirulina chikkis/granules for a longer duration viz., 9–10 months as compared to those who consumed for lesser duration.ConclusionsFindings reveal improvement in nutritional status among the beneficiaries who consumed spirulina chikki/granules as per the recommended quantity (amount) during the intervention period. Post intervention, spirulina chikki supplementation for nutritional intervention is implied to address large scale malnutrition among young children.

Editorial: Utilization of healthcare services for children in low and middle-income countries: Its determinants and child health outcomes

“…Low- and middle-income countries also have a high proportion of malnourished children. Considering 106 villages from Tumkur District of Karnataka state in India, Kashyap et al found a significant decline in the prevalence of severe wasting and stunting with an overall improvement in the nutritional status among the children of 6 months to 6 years of age who consumed the spirulina chikki/granules supplementation for longer duration ( 9 ). Implementing such nutritional intervention in the targeted geographical areas with a higher prevalence of malnourishment in low- and middle-income countries is a commendable step to harmonize wellbeing.…”

Spirulina, an FDA-approved functional food: Worth the hype?

“…It is known to contain various functional compounds such as beta-carotene, phycocyanin, tocopherols, polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly gamma-linolenic acid and phenolic compounds (13). Initially, the nutritional properties of Spirulina were recognized by various intergovernmental institutions to fight against malnutrition in 1970 (14). In 1996, World Health Organization (WHO) declared spirulina to be the best food for the future owing to its rich protein and antioxidant properties (15).…”