Effects of Néré (Parkia Biglobosa), Honey and Powdered Milk on Moderate Malnutrition in Children Aged 12 - 59 Months at INSE, Guinea: Prospective Intervention Study

Abstract

Introduction: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 7% of children worldwide suffer from moderate malnutrition. In Guinea, it remains common, and local nutritional interventions could promote weight gain. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Néré ( Parkia biglobosa ), honey, and powdered milk on weight gain in children aged 12 to 59 months with moderate malnutrition. Methods: A prospective single-arm interventional study was conducted from October 2023 to June 2024 at INSE. Children aged 12 to 59 months with moderate malnutrition (Z-score W/H or W/A between −2 and −3 SD or MUAC 11.5 - 12.5 cm) received a daily ration of Parkia biglobosa flour, honey, and Nido powdered milk for 13 weeks. The feeds underwent sensory, physicochemical, and microbiological analyses according to ISO standards. Weights and heights were measured regularly, and weight gain was calculated as the difference between final and initial weights. Weight change was analyzed using the Friedman test with p < 0.05 as the significance threshold. Results: A total of 31 children were included. Initial nutritional analysis showed that the majority had a weight-for-height (W/H) Z-score of −2 (64.5%), while 12.9% had a mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) between 115 and 124 mm. Children measuring less than 80 cm showed higher weight gain compared to the other groups (Chi 2 = 10.87; p = 0.012). A significant increase in weight was observed over the weeks (Chi 2 = 60.06; p < 0.001), with the mean rank increasing from 1.03 at week 1 to 3.00 at week 13. Conclusion: The combination of P . biglobosa , honey, and powdered milk significantly improved the nutritional status of moderately malnourished children and could be integrated into pediatric nutritional programs in Guinea.