Providing Superfood to malnourished children of Bangladesh

PROBLEM
Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) is a major public health problem in developing countries like Bangladesh.

The supplementation of SUPER FOOD  (Moringa leaf) appears to be effective in improving the nutritional recovery of severely malnourished children.

The Moringa Oleifera plant is the most inexpensive and credible alternative to providing good nutrition. Moringa oleifera is the most nutrient-rich plant yet discovered. Improving nutrition can have a significant impact on survival as well as physical and cognitive development and productivity. Good nutrition, comprising adequate quality and quantity of food intake and reduction of illness is also a basic human right and is an essential input for economic development.

In Bangladesh more than 54% of preschool-age children, equivalent to more than 9.5 million children, are stunted, 56% are underweight and more than 17% are wasted. Although all administrative divisions were affected by child malnutrition there were important differences in the prevalences of the three anthropometric indicators. The prevalence of underweight ranged from 49.8% in Khulna to 64.0% in Sylhet which also showed the highest prevalence of stunting (61.4%) and wasting (20.9%). Despite the high levels, rates of stunting have declined steadily over the past 10 years. Bangladeshi children also suffer from high rates of micronutrient deficiencies, particularly vitamin A, iron, iodine and zinc deficiency. Bangladesh should be commended for making significant progress in reducing vitamin A deficiency (VAD) among preschool children over the past 15 years; however, consumption of vitamin A rich foods is still low, suggesting that the underlying causes of VAD require further attention and support. Anemia is also highly prevalent among children in Bangladesh and few programs have been initiated to improve their iron status.

In the northern part of Bangladesh a cross-sectional survey was carried
out among the randomly selected 125 households in the Ramna union of
Chilmari, by a well-designed semi-structured questionnaire. The results
indicate that 45.5, 49.4 and 20.8% of children less than 5 years of age
were stunted, underweight and wasted, respectively. The prevalence of
stunting, underweight and wasting of the school going children (aged
5-10 years) were also 35, 48.9 and 31.6%, respectively. More than half
of adolescent were severely chronic energy deficient. The average per
capita intakes of calorie, protein, fat, carbohydrate and total food was
2455.4 kcal, 55.06, 18.37, 512.58 and 1050 g, respectively. The most
significant amount of the dietary energy comes from cereals (about 80%)
and followed by potato and vegetables. In conclusion, high prevalence of
chronic malnutrition (stunting) was recorded in the under 5 years
children. Though it was observed that, the average per capita energy
(2455 kcal) and food (1053 g) intake was satisfactory but the intra
family food distribution was not in proper balance and their dietary
intake highly monotonous.

Moringa leaves are highly nutritious and should be beneficial for people who are lacking in essential nutrients.

The leaves of the Moringa tree can be provided to the malnourished children  as Candy , mix it into Juice or Smoothies and also use to fortify chocolate cookies.

The Moringa Oleifera plant is the most inexpensive and credible alternative to providing good nutrition. Moringa oleifera is the most nutrient-rich plant yet discovered. Not only is the Moringa oleifera
tree extraordinary in that all parts of the tree are edible, but the
most amazing aspect of the tree is its exceptionally high nutritional
value. Moringa provides a rich and rare combination of nutrients,
amino acids, antioxidants, anti-aging and -inflammatory properties used
for nutrition and healing. The leaves of the Moringa tree are an
excellent source of vitamin A (four times the amount in carrots), the
raw leaves are rich in vitamin C (seven times the amount in oranges),
and they are also a good source of vitamin B and other minerals. The
leaves are also an outstanding source of calcium (four times the amount
in milk), protein (twice the amount in milk), and potassium (three time
the amount in bananas). The content of iron is very good as well and the
leaves have purportedly been used for treating anemia in the
Philippines. The content of amino acids such as methionine and cystine
is also high. Carbohydrates, fats and phosphorous content are low making
this one of the finest plant foods to be found.

The moringa trees grows abundantly in our villages.  We can collect moringa leaves from our villages easily. We will distribute moringa  tree plants ( 5 to 10 or more plants) to each under a co-operative of village women. There are enough space around their house in villages where they can grow the trees easily. For our production we will buy moringa leaves from them. So we dont need any extra land for farming moringa tree. Producing moringa in house they can use it as vegetable and by selling the leaves they will be economically benefited. That's how this project will help to grow our village economy.

Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) develops in children
whose consumption of protein and energy is insufficient
to satisfy the body’s nutritional needs. While pure protein
deficiency can occur when a person’s diet provides enough
energy but lacks the protein, in most cases the deficiency
will be dual. Current treatment for children involves the use of special formulated foods which are either labelled as F-100 or F-75 which is expensive and not sustainable in the long term. Experts have shown that the Moringa leaf has improved the nutritional status of children
with PEM. For children 1-3 years of age the daily requirements of
calcium, 75% iron requirements and half of protein can
be obtained in 100grams of fresh Moringa leaves. It is also
rich in potassium, copper and B complex vitamins. Studies
in (Senegal) as well as Indian medical research have proved
the leaf powder to be effective in reducing nutritional
deficiency such as vitamin A and protein deficiency.
In depth studies regarding the nutrients have clearly shown
that Moringa can be used as a food additive with multiple purposes for enriching the protein, fatty acid,mineral and vitamins in human feed formulations. Moringa, added on a daily basis to a child’s food, has
thoroughly demonstrated its ability to bring about rapid
recoveries from moderate malnutrition. While successfully
treating malnutrition is good, preventing it is much better.
Leaves of Moringa couldserve as a valuable source of nutrient for all age groups.
In some parts of the world for example Senegal and Haiti,
health workers have been treating malnutrition in small
children, pregnant and nursing women with Moringa leaf
powder.