Palma EC, Cabrera JF, Valverde PLG

Language: Spanish
References: 0
Page: 59-69
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ABSTRACT

Introduction: severe childhood malnutrition is a current health problem in poor countries because nutritional requirements are inadequately met. Protein needs related to growth rates are reflected in the volume required of essential amino acids. Of the total proteins, the diet of adults should contain 15 % and that of infants between 33 and 37 % of these amino acids. Protein quality was obtained by estimating the score of amino acids, starting from which a safe pattern was designed for different age groups, including the composition as to essential amino acids, their proportions and digestibility. It is considered to be adequate when these proportions meet the nitrogen requirements for growth, synthesis and tissue repair.
Objectives: determine the protein quality of the diet of infants with severe malnutrition staying at "Francisco Icaza Bustamante" hospital in Guayaquil, Ecuador, during the period 2009-2010. Specific objectives are to diagnose the type of severe malnutrition of patients, identify the amino acid profile in the diet of the study cases, and establish the biological value of the diet proteins they receive.
Methods: a quantitative cross-sectional analytical descriptive observational study was conducted of infants diagnosed with severe malnutrition. The study population included all the patients with severe malnutrition aged under 24 months. The sample was 33 patients, based on selection criteria. Protein quality was evaluated with the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score, comparing the dietary profile with the needs of the child.
Results: statistical analysis showed that all patients had several limiting amino acids in their diet.
Conclusions: the diet of infants with severe malnutrition has a poor protein quality, with an amino acid coefficient inadequate for synthesis functions and the consequent negative impact on growth and development.