A Pilot Study Assessing the Impact of a Fortified Supplementary Food on the Health and Well-being of Creche Children and Adult Tuberculosis Patients in South Africa

The South African population faces many of the global concerns relating to micronutrient deficiency and the impact this has on health and well-being. Moreover, there is a high prevalence of HIV infection, compounded by a high level of co-infection with Tuberculosis. This pilot study evaluates the impact of a fortified supplementary food on the health and well-being of a cohort of crèche children, aged 3 to 6, and adult TB patients drawn from the Presidential Node of Alexandra, Johannesburg, South Africa. A further aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and validity of non-invasive indicators of nutritional status in a field-based population sample. The investigational product - e'Pap is supported by anecdotal evidence that whole grain cereals with food-style nutrients constitute an effective supplementary food for those suffering from effects of food insecurity, poor health and well-being and coping with tuberculosis and HIV infection.