The effects of nutritional supplementation on the diets of low-income families at risk of malnutrition

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Abstract
Protein-energy malnutrition in synergism with infection is a major problem for most developing countries, and inadequate food consumption is a critical factor in its development. Food supplementation programs can improve nutrient consumption but may also have unintended consequences. Changes in consumption of foods as well as nutrients need to be identified and evaluated. The effects of a food supplementation program on family diet patterns and protein-energy intake were investigated using data from nutritionally at risk families in Bogota, Colombia. Because food supplements are income transfers they need to substitute for purchases of similar food items. However, the results of our investigation reveal that food supplementation based on familiar foods that are part of the usual family diet are consumed in substantial quantities and result in net nutrient consumption increases. The food supplementation program increases consumption of preferred food items and introduces greater diversity into the family diet. These effects are enhanced when combined with a home education program.