The effect of balanced protein energy supplementation in undernourished pregnant women and child physical growth in low‐ and middle‐income countries: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Abstract
Abstract The beneficial effect of balanced protein energy supplementation during pregnancy on subsequent child growth is unclear and may depend upon the mother entering pregnancy adequately nourished or undernourished. Systematic reviews to‐date have included studies from high‐, middle‐ and low‐income countries. However, the effect of balanced protein energy supplementation should not be generalised. This review assesses the effect of balanced protein energy supplementation in undernourished pregnant women from low‐ and middle‐income countries on child growth. A systematic review of articles published in English (1970–2015) was conducted via MEDLINE, Scopus, the Cochrane Register and hand searching. Only peer‐reviewed experimental studies analysing the effects of balanced protein energy supplementation in undernourished pregnant women from low‐ and middle‐income countries with measures of physical growth as the primary outcome were included. Two reviewers independently assessed full‐text articles against inclusion criteria. Validity of eligible studies was ascertained using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies (EPHPP QAT). In total, seven studies met the inclusion criteria. All studies reported on birthweight, five on birth length, three on birth head circumference, and one on longer‐term growth. Standardised mean differences were calculated using a random‐effects meta‐analysis. Balanced protein energy supplementation significantly improved birthweight (seven…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 2,367 participants or records.
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