Comparison of Isocaloric and Hypercaloric Diet in Undernourished Patients

Objective: To determine efficacies of fiber-containing isocaloric and hypercaloric enteral supplements generally used to treat undernutrition. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pediatrics, Sanliurfa Halfeti State Hospital, Turkey from September 2019 to June 2020. Methodology: Pediatric patients aged 1-19 years were diagnosed solely with primary undernutrition, were given fiber containing isocaloric or hypercaloric enteral supplements for six months based on their energy requirements. A comparative analysis of anthropometrical data was made with each formula. The analysis included baseline weight, height, BMI of patients, and important micro-nutrient levels at three and six months after intervention. Results: BMI, weight and height z-scores (p <0.001) were improved over six months. There were no differences in BMI and weight scores except for a significant improvement in height between baseline and third month, which was observed in patients who received hypercaloric formula unlike isocolaric formula. There was a two-tailed improvement in blood biochemistry values of both groups. Conclusion: Both isocaloric and hypercaloric supplementation had positive effects on anthropometry and blood biochemistry. These results show that both formulae are highly beneficial for children with primary undernutrition.