Composite Flour Cookies for Improving Nutrition in Malnourished Children

Malnutrition is a major public health concern among children in developing countries, leading to impaired growth and increased risk of morbidity. This study evaluated the effectiveness of nutrient-dense composite flour cookies as a dietary intervention to improve the nutritional status of malnourished children. Composite cookies were developed using soy, chickpea, and peanut, and were subjected to nutritional and quality analysis including proximate composition and other physicochemical assessments prior to intervention. A randomized controlled trial was conducted among 60 malnourished children aged 3 to 10 years, divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received the composite cookies along with their regular diet, while the control group continued with their usual diet. Anthropometric indicators including weight, body mass index (BMI), and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), as well as biochemical parameters such as hemoglobin and serum albumin, were assessed at baseline and after a 3-month intervention period. The study aimed to determine whether supplementation with nutrient-rich composite cookies could significantly improve growth and nutritional outcomes in malnourished children.