Efficacy of an Oral Nutrition Supplement on the Nutritional Status of Stunted and At-Risk of Stunting Children: A Community-Based Intervention Trial

Introduction: Stunting is associated with poor nutritional intake during early childhood. This study evaluated the effect of a daily intake of 510 mL of an oral nutritional supplement for 180 days on linear growth among children with stunting and at-risk of stunting aged 12–36 months. Methods: A community-based, single arm intervention was conducted among 91 children in Kelantan, Malaysia. The children at enrolment had height-for-age Z-scores (HAZ) between <-1.0 SD to >-3 SD based on WHO Growth Standards. Anthropometric measurements were taken at baseline (T0), day-90 (mid-intervention), and day-180 (post-intervention). Nutrient intake was assessed using 24-hour dietary recalls, and compliance was monitored via returned empty sachets. Results: The mean age of the children at baseline was 26.7 ± 6.5 months, with 37 (41%) being stunted and 54 (59%) were at-risk of stunting. After intervention, the linear growth (height-for-age Z-score) was significantly improved over time (p < 0.001) in both stunted and at-risk children. A significant time-by-group interaction (p = 0.014) indicated differential effects between the stunted and at-risk groups. Post-hoc analysis showed HAZ improvements from baseline (T0) to 180 days in stunted and at-risk groups (p < 0.001) with the stunted group having greater mean differences. The number of stunted children declined by 37.8% (p = 0.003). Nutrient intakes of protein, vitamins D, vitamin C, vitamin B-complex, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron improved significantly. Conclusion: Daily intake of 510 mL of oral nutrition supplement improved linear growth and nutrient intakes. These findings support the potential of targeted supplementation in addressing child growth faltering and micronutrient inadequacies.