Nutritional formula supported growth in children with undernutrition risk
Children with or at risk of undernutrition grew more with nutritional formula plus counseling than with counseling alone. Body composition differed, but bone measurements do not establish fewer fractures.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Adding nutritional formula to counseling improved height and weight growth in this selected group of young children. The formula group also had higher lean mass index and bone mineral density, with no detected difference in fat mass index. These findings concern children with undernutrition risk and should not be generalized to all children.
The abstract reports neither adverse events nor outcomes beyond the study. Some health outcomes came from parents, and measured bone mineral density does not establish fewer fractures.
What researchers found
Body composition
At day 240, lean mass index was higher with formula plus counseling than counseling alone. Fat mass index had no detected difference between these groups.
Growth and composition were separate
The trial measured height and weight alongside body scan assessments of composition and bone mineralization. Added formula improved growth and produced higher lean mass index and bone mineral density.
Some health findings came from parents
Parents reported better sleep habits, appetite, energy, and physical activity with added formula. These reports provide a different perspective from measured growth and body scans, without establishing benefits beyond the study.
The original publication
Efficacy of long-term oral nutritional supplementation with dietary counseling on growth, body composition and bone mineralization in children with or at risk for undernutrition: a randomized controlled trial.
Ow MYL, Tran NT, Berde Y et al.
Nutr J · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 40660276
- Record checked
AI-assisted research and writing. This explains one selected publication; it is not a complete review of everything known. Our approach.
One more question, understood.
Keep track of the research you’ve explored.