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Original ArticleOpen Access
Effects of Multivitamin and Folic Acid Supplementaion in Malnourished Children
S 
Objective: To study the effect of multivitamin and folic acid supplementation on serum folate
level and weight gain.
Material and Method : A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted in malnou-
rished children at the Nutrition Clinic, Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health from February
to June 2000. History taking, weight-height measurement, and blood testing for complete blood count
(CBC) and serum folate level were done. Patients were randomly by assigned into 2 groups. The study
group was supplemented daily with multivitamins (MVD) along with a folic acid tablet while the control
group was supplemented daily with MVD only, for 6 weeks.
Results : Twenty-nine malnourished children were enrolled in the present study. They were
randomly by assigned into 2 groups, 14 children in the study group and 15 children in the control group.
There were II boys (38%) and 18 girls (62%). Mean age was 36.3 months. Anemia and low serum folate
level were found in 24 per cent and 21 per cent respectively. There was no significant difference in the
data of both groups, except that anemia was more common in the study group (p == 0.018).
After 6 weeks of supplementation, increases in weight and serum folate level were signifi-
cantly higher in the study group, but there was no significant difference in weight increased between both
groups.
Conclusion: Folate deficiency may be found in malnourished children. Efficacy of folic acid
supplement is good. Folic acid needs to be supplemented in malnourished children.
Key word : Multivitamins, Folate, Malnutrition, Children
level and weight gain.
Material and Method : A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted in malnou-
rished children at the Nutrition Clinic, Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health from February
to June 2000. History taking, weight-height measurement, and blood testing for complete blood count
(CBC) and serum folate level were done. Patients were randomly by assigned into 2 groups. The study
group was supplemented daily with multivitamins (MVD) along with a folic acid tablet while the control
group was supplemented daily with MVD only, for 6 weeks.
Results : Twenty-nine malnourished children were enrolled in the present study. They were
randomly by assigned into 2 groups, 14 children in the study group and 15 children in the control group.
There were II boys (38%) and 18 girls (62%). Mean age was 36.3 months. Anemia and low serum folate
level were found in 24 per cent and 21 per cent respectively. There was no significant difference in the
data of both groups, except that anemia was more common in the study group (p == 0.018).
After 6 weeks of supplementation, increases in weight and serum folate level were signifi-
cantly higher in the study group, but there was no significant difference in weight increased between both
groups.
Conclusion: Folate deficiency may be found in malnourished children. Efficacy of folic acid
supplement is good. Folic acid needs to be supplemented in malnourished children.
Key word : Multivitamins, Folate, Malnutrition, Children
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