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Growing Up Formula Versus Nutritional Supplements: Effect on Catch up Growth, Micronutrient Status, and Solid Foods Intake in Toddlers With Mild or Moderate Malnutrition

Growing Up Formula Versus Nutritional Supplements: Effect on Catch up Growth, Micronutrient Status, and Solid Foods Intake in Toddlers With Mild or Moderate Malnutrition

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT05088590
Acronym
KEEP Growing
Enrollment
41
Registered
2021-10-22
Start date
2021-08-27
Completion date
2024-12-01
Last updated
2025-02-17

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Healthy Toddlers 12-36 Months of Age With Mild or Moderate Malnutrition

Brief summary

This is a pilot study to test how a growing-up formula (GUF) compares to a common nutritional supplement (NS), which is regularly used to help toddlers (ages 12-36 months) gain weight. This study will look at whether GUF helps to increase solid food intake for children who are thought to be picky eaters and see the effects on growth compared with the NS. To date, it is not clear if GUFs help to increase intake of solid foods. Participants will be placed into one of the two study arms: Enfagrow (GUF) or Pediasure (standard NS).

Interventions

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTEnfagrow® Neuropro Toddler Nutritional Drink

Enfagrow® Neuropro Toddler Nutritional Drink to be consumed per day (equivalent to 40 mL per kg, rounded to the nearest ounce)

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTPediasure® Grow & Gain Protein Shake for Kids

Pediasure® Grow & Gain Protein Shake for Kids to be consumed per day (equivalent to 40 mL per kg, rounded to the nearest ounce)

Sponsors

Children's Hospital Colorado
CollaboratorOTHER
Mead Johnson Nutrition
CollaboratorINDUSTRY
University of Colorado, Denver
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
12 Months to 36 Months
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

Healthy toddlers 12-36 months of age with mild or moderate malnutrition will be defined by at least one of the following indicators: 1. Weight-for-length z-score between -1.0 and -2.9 for children less than 2 years of age using the WHO growth standards; or 2. BMI z-score between -1 to -2.9 for children between 2 and 3 years of age using the CDC growth standards; or 3. Middle upper-arm circumference (MUAC) z-scores between -1 to -2.9 using the WHO growth references; or 4. Percentage of median ideal body weight of 70-89% (using the 50th percentile of the aforementioned growth standards).

Exclusion criteria

* Toddlers currently on or with history of tube feeding or with chronic health conditions that influence eating (e.g., food allergies, genetic disorders or developmental disabilities, oral motor difficulties that require sensory or feeding therapy). * Toddlers who were born at less than 34 weeks gestation, as they may have lingering feeding challenges. * Toddlers with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) requiring medications or hydrolyzed formula or any type of esophageal disorders will be excluded. * Toddlers with a history of infant reflux will not be excluded. The PI will make this distinction after a detailed history and record review. * Families who do not speak English or Spanish in the home. * Toddlers with suspected malabsorption or conditions that increased metabolic demands such as congenital heart defects. * Toddlers who have a diagnosed allergy to cow's milk. The PI will use their clinical discretion to ascertain patient eligibility.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Dietary intake from solid foods - Total proteins in gramsAt baseline1. Amount of intake of food groups from age-appropriate solid foods; 2. Intake of calories from age-appropriate solid foods; 3. Intake of micronutrients from age-appropriate solid foods; 4. Proportion of calories consumed from age-appropriate solid foods compared with the assigned supplement; 5. Proportion of micronutrients consumed from age-appropriate solid foods compared with the assigned supplement
Dietary intake from solid foods - Total grains in gramsAt baseline1. Amount of intake of food groups from age-appropriate solid foods; 2. Intake of calories from age-appropriate solid foods; 3. Intake of micronutrients from age-appropriate solid foods; 4. Proportion of calories consumed from age-appropriate solid foods compared with the assigned supplement; 5. Proportion of micronutrients consumed from age-appropriate solid foods compared with the assigned supplement
Dietary intake from solid foods - Total vegetables in cupsAt baseline1. Amount of intake of food groups from age-appropriate solid foods; 2. Intake of calories from age-appropriate solid foods; 3. Intake of micronutrients from age-appropriate solid foods; 4. Proportion of calories consumed from age-appropriate solid foods compared with the assigned supplement; 5. Proportion of micronutrients consumed from age-appropriate solid foods compared with the assigned supplement

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Secondary Outcomes Measures Related to Growth and NutritionChange from baseline to 3 monthsChange in micronutrient status between baseline and month 3 as assessed through circulating micronutrient status, measured by laboratory assessment: CBC, Ferritin, sed rate, zinc, DHA, and vitamin D
Secondary Outcomes Measures Related to Growth and Nutrition -- Weight gainChange from baseline to 3 monthsNutrition status assessment - Change in weight Weight gain: catch up growth is defined by weight gain of \>6 g per day\[

Countries

United States

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026