Evolution of the Pronostic Inflammatory and Nutritional Index (PINI) of the Malnourished Children of 6-59 Months during Supplementation with Soya and Spirulina in Côte d’ivoire

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the evolution of the Pronostic of Inflammatory and nutritional Index (PINI) during the supplementation with soya and spirulina in children from 6 to 59 months.

Study Design: Hundred ninety-five (195) children moderate malnourished selected according to WHO standards.

Place and Duration of Study: Children selected were distributed in three groups in order to receive in addition to the family food during one month respectively millet porridge (group 1; 65 children), millet porridge strengthened in the soya (group 2; 65 children) and millet porridge enriched in the spirulina (group 3; 65 children).

Methodology: Nutritional and inflammatory parameters were measured at the beginning and the end of study. PINI was also calculated in this study.

Results: The group 3 (Spirulina) recorded significant variations (p< 0.05) regarding all the parameters (decrease of CRP and a1-GPA and increase of albumin and prealbumin). As for the PINI, it has been significantly (p< 0.05) reduced in group 2 and a high significant decrease was shown in group 3 (p< 0.01). It emerges from the study that the spirulina improves more quickly the PINI as nutritional supplement than the Soya compared to family food.

Conclusion: This study indicates spirulina and soybean could be used to improve nutritional status in children suffering from acute malnutrition.