Use of Isolated Vegetable Proteins in the Treatment of Protein Malnutrition (Kwashiorkor)

Forty-five children with kwashiorkor aged one to five years were treated with three protein blends: Blend I, a mixture of isolated peanut and soy bean proteins and casein fortified with dl-methionine and 1-lysine. Blend II, a mixture of 52 parts of peanut protein and 48 parts of skim milk powder. Blend III, a mixture of 66.6 parts of peanut protein and 33.3 parts of skim milk powder. Each child in different groups received 30 gm. of protein daily from blends I, II, III or skim milk powder. The protein blends were readily digested by the children; diarrhea stopped in a shorter time in children receiving the protein blends than in those receiving skim milk powder. The different protein blends compared favorably with skim milk powder in their effectiveness in the treatment of kwashiorkor. The rate of regeneration of serum albumin with protein blend I and skim milk powder was significantly greater than that observed with protein blends II and III. The serum protein contents and albumin: globulin ratio were brought to normal levels after treatment with the different protein blends for a period of thirty days. The results indicate that a 2:1 blend of peanut protein isolate and skim milk powder can be used with considerable advantage in the treatment of kwashiorkor.