Impact of Small-Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements on Puberty in Children
Author Information
Author(s): Nti Helena, Adu-Afarwuah Seth, Oaks Brietta M, Prado Elizabeth L, Arnold Charles D, Hastings Paul D., Guyer Amanda E, Dewey Kathryn G, Amponsah Benjamin, Bentil Helena J, Mensah Mavis Osipi, Adjetey Ebenezer, Tan Xiuping, Aryee Lois Maame Donkor, Labi Fatimah Bintu Ayete
Primary Institution: University of Ghana
Hypothesis
The SQ-LNS group would be more advanced in pubertal development than the non-LNS group at ages 9–11 and 11–13.
Conclusion
Provision of SQ-LNS during the first 1000 days of life advanced pubertal status among females.
Supporting Evidence
- Children in the SQ-LNS group had a higher mean aPDSZ at 11–13 years compared to the non-LNS group.
- The effect of SQ-LNS on puberty was more pronounced in females than in males.
- Lower household asset index z-scores were associated with greater effects of SQ-LNS on pubertal development.
Takeaway
Giving special nutrient supplements to mothers and their babies helps girls grow up faster during puberty.
Methodology
This was a follow-up to a randomized controlled trial where mothers received different nutrient supplements during pregnancy and postpartum, and their children's pubertal status was assessed at ages 9–11 and 11–13.
Potential Biases
Participants lost to follow-up differed significantly in maternal parity compared to those included in the analysis.
Limitations
Pubertal development was not assessed at age 7, which may have missed cases of precocious puberty.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 9–13 years, with a mix of socioeconomic backgrounds.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.049
Confidence Interval
0.08, 0.52
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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