Nutrition studies in Thailand: effects of calories, nutrient supplements, and health interventions on growth of preschool Thai village children

Abstract

A study of the effects of providing high-calorie and vitamin-mineral supplements to preschool village children retarded in growth and development in Chiang Mai, Thailand was done. The preschool children of 24 villages with a population of approximately 11,000 were divided into five control and intervention groups. The interventions consisted of a village health program, high-calorie snacks, and vitamin-mineral supplements. The supplements when used were provided in day care centers for preschool children. The health and nutrition interventions used did not significantly affect growth during the study period reported from December 1981 to October 1983. Monthly changes in length and weight observed in this and a previous study indicate that growth patterns in Thai children are different from those seen in industrialized societies. Factors other than lack of nutrients and infection may be responsible for the inadequate growth often reported in developing countries.