The Effect of Intestinal Parasites on the Protein Requirement of Undernourished Children as Determined by the Indicator Amino Acid Oxidation Method.
J NutrJul 24, 2026 (epub)
Sarita Devi, Libai Xu, Ronald O Ball et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial investigated the protein requirements of chronically undernourished school-age children in South India, specifically examining the impact of intestinal parasites. The study found that the mean protein requirement was 1.25 g/kg/d in children with parasites and 1.43 g/kg/d post-treatment, indicating that parasites do not increase protein needs.
Key findings
- The mean protein requirement with intestinal parasites was 1.25 g/kg/d (95% CI: 1.0, 1.5).
- Post-treatment, the protein requirement was 1.43 g/kg/d (95% CI: 1.1, 1.8).
- Current protein recommendations of 0.76 g/kg/d may be inadequate for undernourished children.
Why it matters
Understanding the protein requirements of undernourished children is crucial for developing effective nutritional guidelines. This study suggests that existing recommendations may not meet the needs of this vulnerable population, highlighting the importance of reassessing dietary protein intake.