ABSORPTION TESTS IN CHILDREN WITH DIFFERENT STATES OF MALNUTRITION

Gastrointestinal absorption tests including fat absorption ratio, D-xylose and vitamin β12 absorption were carried out in 98 children aged 3 to 6 years, with varying levels of nutrition. The children selected for the study did not suffer from diarrhoeal diseases in the 6 to 10-week period preceding the study. The number of abnormal tests of absorption was similar in children with mild to moderate malnutrition and those normally nourished, but sharply rose among those with severe malnutrition. The values of absorption of fat, D-xylose and vitamin β12 also demonstrated a parallel trend in various weight-for-height and weight-for-age groups. There was significant derangement of absorption in wasted, stunted and stunted-cum-wasted groups of children as compared to those with height-for-age about 80%, and optimal weight.