Resumen

JAFFE, Werner  y  GUERRA, Marisa. El Lactovisoy en el combate de la desnutrición infantil. An Venez Nutr [online]. 2001, vol.14, n.2, pp.99-102. ISSN 0798-0752.

We describe a nutritional complementary product, Lactovisoy, designed for the combat of undernutrition in children and pregnant and lactating mothers and which conforms with the nutritional traditional habits and mostly composed of components locally produced. Extensive trials with different mixtures were performed for several years to study the nutritional values by chemical and animal tests, and later different flavors both in children and adults. The taste of vainilla was the best accepted as it similar to the traditional "chicha de arroz". The formula was supplemented with vitamins A, C, B complex, folic acid, B12, iron and zinc. Large batches were produced for trials with children for several months. After a six-month trial, 98% of the children still preferred Lactovisoy as compared to 83% for milk. In another trial, Lactovisoy packages were given to women of marginal families. Nearly all of them liked the product both for themselves and their children and declared their desire to acquire it, if commercially available. Iron bioavailability was tested in seven adults who consumed Lactovisoy with radiolabelled iron. Absorption was found to be 16% of the dose, It was concluded that a daily intake of 100g supplies 60% of the absorbable iron needed by a child of 2 years, compared with only 2% supplied by the same amount of cow's milk. Hospitalized malnourished children responded very well to Lactovisoy feeding. This product is cheaper than milk, and could be used in supplementary programs for children and pregnant women.

Palabras clave : Child undernutrition; milk substitutes; nutritional supplement; iron absorption.