Effect of Buffalo Milk Consumption on the Growth of 10 to 12 years Old Schoolgirls in Magdalena, Laguna, Philippines

• Published in: Nutrition and metabolic insights Vol. 16; p. 11786388231151355
• Main Authors: Samson, Marivic S, Barba, Corazon VC, Africa, Leila S, Aguilar, Juliet S, Paunlagui, Merlyene M, Rola, Agnes C, Vigilla-Montecillo, Kristine R., Saludes, Thelma A, Barrio, Arnel N Del
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.01.2023; Sage Publications Ltd; SAGE Publishing
• Subjects: Body mass index; Original Research; Philippines; Adolescence; linear growth; buffalo milk; body mass index
• ISSN: 1178-6388; 1178-6388
• DOI: 10.1177/11786388231151355

Background: Milk contains essential nutrients that help can improve the growth and development of adolescent girls. Objectives: The study determined the effect of milk consumption on the nutritional status of schoolgirls ages 10 to 12 years old in Magdalena, Laguna, Philippines. Methodology: A quasi-experimental study design was used to determine the impact of daily consumption of 200 ml buffalo milk on the prevalence of undernutrition among the 57 schoolgirl participants before and after 160 days. One sample t-test and paired t-test were used to compare the actual and expected total increment and monthly changes in the height and body mass index (BMI) of the participants, while a one-way analysis of variance was used to compare the actual total changes in height and BMI by age. Factors that are correlated with these measurements were identified based on Spearman’s correlation coefficients. Results: The percentage of stunting (31.6%-22.8%) and thinness (21.1%-15.8%) decreased after the milk feeding. Significant differences were observed in the means of total actual and expected changes in height (P < .00) and BMI (P < .00). While there were significant differences in the means of actual and expected monthly changes in height every month, this was only observed in the first 2 months for BMI. Only the mean actual changes in height had significant differences when compared by age (P = .04). Lastly, the age and education of the father were found to be correlated with the height of the schoolgirls. Conclusion: Buffalo milk consumption can improve the growth outcomes of schoolgirls