Nutritional Status and Development of Modified Formula-Supplemented Preschoolers under the Daycare Multihomes Program

The Daycare Multihomes Program (DCMP) looks after children of working mothers. They receive breakfast, lunch, and two snacks, covering 85% of the daily energy requirements Monday thru Friday. Groups of 30 children from each multihome were selected to study the effect of a nutritional supplementation with modified milk upon the nutritional status and development of the preschoolers. At one DCMP, in addition to their habitual feeding, the children (Group A) received 200 ml of a modified milk formula twice a day for 12 weeks. Another group (Group B) received the diet offered at the multihome. The children were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the study. Weight and height were measured, laboratory tests were taken, 24 hour food intake recalls were performed, and psychological tests were performed for attention and recent memory assessment (Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale and Weschler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence WPPSI). Weight and height increased significantly (p<0.05) in Group A. Likewise, the laboratory mean values were higher (except for triglycerides), as well as the consumption and adequacy of calories, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, calcium, and iron (p<0.05). In a WPPSI arithmetic scale sub-test, which measures attention and concentration, Group A obtained better scores (p<0.05). The children supplemented with the milk formula improved their nutritional condition and obtained better scores in attention and concentration tests. However, the intervention was discontinued as the DCMP was interrupted in this location.