Abstract
Background: Nutritional inadequacy remains a persistent public health concern in India, particularly among children aged 2–12 years. Despite advancements in national health metrics, high rates of stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies continue to affect this age group. Oral nutritional supplements (ONS) have emerged as effective interventions to help bridge dietary gaps, especially in low- and middle-income settings. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of nutritional supplement (GROVIVA®), a scientifically developed ONS, in enhancing growth, nutritional status, and overall well-being in Indian children over a six-month period.
Methods: A total of 775 healthy children with a BMI below the 15th percentile were enrolled from six medical centers, with 720 completing the study. Participants consumed 30 g of nutritional supplement (GROVIVA® mixed in 100 ml of milk or water twice daily alongside their regular diet. Growth metrics (height, weight, BMI), illness frequency, school absenteeism, gut health, and general well-being were evaluated at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Statistical analysis was conducted using t-tests and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).
Results: Significant improvements were observed in weight (14.59 kg to 17.40 kg), height (99.22 cm to 103.29 cm), and BMI (14.48 to 15.98 kg/m²), particularly among children aged 2–7 years (P=0.0001). Illness frequency and absenteeism decreased, with 79% avoiding hospitalization. The supplement was well-tolerated, with reduced gastrointestinal complaints and no severe adverse events.
Conclusion: Nutritional supplement (GROVIVA®) effectively improved growth parameters and immune resilience in Indian children, supporting its role as a safe and beneficial nutritional intervention in at-risk pediatric populations.