Effect of Honey Supplementation on Plasma Levels of Short Chain Fatty Acids in Malnurished Children

Abstract

Malnutrition in children is a global public health problem with wide implications. It is estimated that malnutrition is the underlying cause of 45% of global deaths in children below 5 years of age. Honey has antioxidant, antimicrobial, immunomodulator and anticancer effects. Additionally, honey is not expensive and appropriate synbiotic combinations can be more effective in benefiting the host than individually administering probiotic or prebiotic. Design: An interventional study. Forty patients suffering from moderate to severe malnutrition according to WHO z- score of both sexes, aged 6 months -2 years, were randomized into two equal groups [intervention group 20 patients ] and [control group 20 patients ].The study was conducted at Children Hospital of Ain Shams University-Cairo-Egypt during the period from 2018 to 2020. The grading of malnutrition was based on WHO z score. The dietary intervention consisted of honey in a dose of 2.5 mg\kg\day weight per dose twice weekly for 8 weeks, Main outcome measures: evaluate effect of honey supplementation on malnourished children regarding plasma levels of short chain fatty acids and anthropometric measurements . Results: 8 weeks honey consumption in a group of malnourished children resulted in such a positive effects on anthropometric measures and increase Short Chain Fatty plasma levels Conclusion: Honey intervention in a group of children with moderate to severe malnutrition resulted in positive effects on anthropometric measures and Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) plasma levels.