Feeding trials with lysine- and threonine-fortified rice

Abstract

1. The effect of fortification of rice with lysine and threonine (at levels of 2 g and 1 g/kg respectively) on the growth of preschool children was assessed in feeding trials at a residential orphanage and a village day-care centre.2. In the first trial, the children at the orphanage were offered a diet based on rice, to provide the recommended allowances of protein and energy. For the children in the experimental group, the rice was fortified with lysine and threonine for the 6 months of the trial.3. Statistically significant differences in final height and weight were not observed between the children in the control and in the experimental groups.4. The children in the control group grew at optimal rates.5. In the second trial, the diet provided approximately 80% of the daily energy and protein intakes from rice and was offered ab lib. at four meals a day in the orphanage and at three meals a day in the day-care centre.6. In the orphanage, most children are enough of this high-bulk diet to ensure an adequate energy intake. The children given the fortified rice and those who served as controls grew at very satisfactory rates.7. At the village centre most of the children were unable to eat enough food to achieve an adequate intake of energy. The children given the fortified rice did not grow taller than those given unfortified rice.8. Fortification of rice with lysine and threonine did not improve rates of growth of preschool children.