Abstract

The core objective was to evaluate the effect of probiotic fortification at three phases of formula milk administration in malnourished children. A dose related effect was determined in 30 severely acute malnourished children (6-59 months) in a double-blind, randomized design. According to the results, serum albumin levels, treatment T-2 (6 billion cfu) has significantly increased albumin levels (3.7g/dL) and the effect of phase-III (Plumpy?nut) was found to be better. Results regarding sodium levels showing probiotic-dose have significant effect (P <= 0.05) in phases as well. Moreover, the effect of T-1 i.e. 3 billion cfu of probiotics has significantly reduced sodium levels (141.8mmol/L) vs . others and the effect of phase-II was better on reducing sodium levels. which is further confirmed in terms of reduced erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels at phase-III (29.566 vs. phase-II, 41.3 and phase-I, 46.533 mm/h). Conclusively, the effect of 6 billion cfu at phase-III was more effective on blood parameters.