This is a parallel, quadruple-blind, randomized controlled trial to determine the effects of double fortification (iron and zinc) in synbiotic milk (containing 7 billion CFU L.plantarum Dad13 and 4 g fructooligosaccharides) on the gut microbiota composition, body height and weight, blood zinc and hemoglobin level, and cognitive level in under 5 years stunted children subjects. The duration of the study is 4 months, including a 2-week pre test and informed consent before randomization of subjects into treatment or control group, a 12-week intervention period, and a 2-week post test after the end of intervention. During the intervention period, subjects will be instructed to take 100 ml of fortified synbiotic milk or non-fortified synbiotic milk per day. They will also be asked to document consumed milk, any unusual symptoms or side effects of treatment. Diet will be monitored via 24-h dietary recalls and SQ-FFQ before and after treatment respectively. Changes in the gut microbiota composition will be determined by measuring bacterial population levels (Bifidobacteria, Lactobacillus, Enterobacteria, Prevotella, and Bacteroides) in stool sampled collected at baseline and 12 weeks by qPCR. Metabolic markers (calprotectin, hemoglobin, and zinc level) will be measured at baseline and 12-weeks in serum and plasma using biochemical and immuno-assay. Changes in the cognitive level, height for age Z-score collected at baseline and 12 weeks using Bayley Scales of Infant Development, 2nd Edition .
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of double fortification (iron and zinc) in synbiotic milk (L.plantarum Dad13 and fructooligosaccharides) on under 5 years stunted children growth, gut microbiota composition, blood zinc and hemoglobin level, and cognitive level.