Impact of Pearl Millet Based Supplementary Food on Biochemical and Cognitive Profiles of School Children (5-6 Year Old)

Aims: To study the effect of pearl millet based supplementary food on biochemical and cognitive profiles of school going girl children.

Methodology: Two groups of 30 girl children in the age group of five to six year each were selected. The total number of children participated in the present study was 60. The first group constituted non supplemented (control); the second group of children (experimental) was supplemented 100 g of pearl millet based supplementary food mix in the form of biscuits along with their home diet for a period of 100 days. The biochemical profiles like haemoglobin, serum protein and serum retinol were analyzed and cognitive test also carried out before and after the administration of supplementary food.

Results: The mean increments in biochemical parameters such as haemoglobin, serum protein and serum retinol was higher in experimental group than the control group. At the end of the experiment the mean increment of Raven’s score was 1.07 in control and 1.36 in experimental group. In Weschler’s scale memory score has increased from 72.15 to 72.83 in control and 74.46 to 76.13 in experimental group. Binet Kamat’s test of mental ability was also observed an increase in the score at the end of the study period. The haemoglobin level was positively correlated with cognitive development of the children in both control and experimental group.

Conclusion: Supplementation with pearl millet based supplementary food mix has improved the biochemical and cognitive development of the selected children. Long term feeding trials with supplementary food mix could improve the cognitive development. Incorporation of the green leafy vegetables powder and carrot powder in different type of foods has positive effect on the cognitive development of school children.