A síndrome da má absorção (SMA), caracterizada pelo mau desenvolvimento e desuniformidade do lote de aves, causa importantes prejuízos econômicos à avicultura comercial. No entanto, por se tratar de uma doença multifatorial e possivelmente polimicrobiana, o envolvimento do parvovírus de galinha (ChPV) na ocorrência da SMA ainda é pouco conhecido. Com o propósito de elucidar a possível associação entre a presença do ChPV e a ocorrência da SMA, foram desenvolvidas e aplicadas ferramentas moleculares para a detecção e quantificação do ChPV em amostras de frangos comerciais no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Uma PCR quantitativa foi desenvolvida para detectar e quantificar cópias do genoma (CG) do ChPV em amostras de suabes de cloaca de 59 frangos saudáveis e 68 frangos com sinais clínicos sugestivos de SMA. Os resultados revelaram que todas as amostras dos dois grupos investigados, continham o genoma do ChPV. No entanto, a carga viral em frangos com SMA foi significativamente (p≤0,0001) maior (1x105 CG/100 ng DNA) do que em frangos saudáveis (1,3x103 CG/100 ng DNA). Adicionalmente às amostras de cloaca, o ChPV também foi investigado em amostras de tecidos (fígado, timo, baço, bursa de Fabricius - BF e intestino) e soros provenientes de nove frangos saudáveis e 50 frangos com sinais indicativos da SMA. O ChPV foi encontrado tanto em aves saudáveis como nas aves com SMA, no entanto, observou-se uma diferença na distribuição deste agente nos tecidos analisados. O genoma do vírus foi mais frequentemente detectado na BF, baço e intestino das aves com SMA, sendo que o intestino foi o tecido que apresentou maior carga viral. Os resultados encontrados nestes estudos demonstraram que o genoma viral estava altamente disseminado nas aves investigadas. Além disso, observou-se uma maior carga viral em frangos de corte com SMA quando comparado com aves sadias. Com base nos resultados encontrados, sugere-se que a maior carga viral de ChPV existente em aves com SMA, em relação a aves saudáveis, seja um dos fatores que favoreça a ocorrência da síndrome. / The malabsorption syndrome (MAS), characterized by the poor development and lack of uniformity of chicken flocks, causes significant economic losses to commercial poultry. However, because it is a multifactorial and possibly polymicrobial disease, the involvement of Chicken parvovirus (ChPV) in the MAS occurrence is still not clear. In order to elucidate the possible association between the presence of ChPV and the occurrence of MAS, molecular tools were developed and applied for the detection and quantification of ChPV DNA in commercial poultry samples in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. A quantitative PCR was developed to detect and quantify the ChPV genome copies (GC) in cloacal swab samples of 59 healthy broilers and 68 broilers with clinical signs suggestive of MAS. The results showed that all investigated samples of the two groups contained the genome ChPV. However, viral loads in MAS-affected animals were significantly (p≤0.0001) higher (1x105 GC/100 ng DNA) than in healthy broilers (1.3x103 GC/100 ng DNA). In addition to the cloacal samples, the presence of ChPV DNA was also investigated in tissue samples (liver, thymus, spleen, bursa of Fabricius - BF and intestine) and sera from nine healthy broilers and 50 broilers with signals indicative of MAS. The ChPV was found in healthy avian as well MAS-affected, however, there was a difference in the distribution of this agent in those tissues. The virus genome was more frequently detected in the BF, spleen and intestines of the MAS-affected broilers, and the intestines contained the highest viral loads, in comparison with other tissues. Our results demonstrated that the viral genome can be found in both healthy and MAS-affected broilers. In addition, higher viral loads were detected in broilers with signs suggestive of MAS compared to healthy birds. Based on these results, it is suggested that the greatest viral load of ChPV existing in MAS-affected broilers when compared to healthy birds, is one of the factors that favor the occurrence of the syndrome.

FundaÃÃo de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Cearà / IntroduÃÃo: Apesar do reconhecimento das alteraÃÃes intestinais associadas à desnutriÃÃo e dos efeitos trÃficos da alanil-glutamina (AG) na funÃÃo de barreira intestinal, medida pela taxa de excreÃÃo urinÃria de Lactulose: Manitol, ainda sÃo escassos os estudos para determinar o efeito de suplementaÃÃo oral da AG em crianÃas desnutridas. Objetivos: Examinar o efeito de suplementaÃÃo oral de AG ou placebo glicina (G) na funÃÃo de barreira intestinal e crescimento em crianÃas sob risco nutricional residentes na comunidade do Parque UniversitÃrio do Pici. MÃtodos: Ensaio clÃnico randomizado controlado em crianÃas maiores de 6 meses e menores de 8 anos de idade, com pelo menos um dos escores z para os indicadores antropomÃtricos (IAs) (peso-para-idade, estatura-para-idade e peso-para-estatura) < -1. Cento e sete crianÃas foram randomizadas, entre julho de 2003 a novembro de 2004, para receberem AG (24g/dia) ou G (25g/dia) em quantidades isonitrogÃnicas por 10 dias. A excreÃÃo urinÃria de Lactulose:Manitol foi utilizada como medida da permeabilidade intestinal e realizada nos 1 e 10 dias do protocolo de estudo. O peso e estatura das crianÃas foram coletados nos 1Â, 10Â, 30 e 120 dias do protocolo de estudo para cÃlculo dos IAs. Resultados: O percentual da excreÃÃo urinÃria de lactulose diminuiu significantemente no grupo que recebeu AG, mas nÃo no grupo que recebeu G ( p < 0,05 teste t de Student). A melhora cumulativa nos indicadores antropomÃtricos, peso-para-estatura e peso-para-idade, no 120 dia do protocolo de estudo foi significante quando realizado a anÃlise de covariÃncia no grupo que recebeu AG versus o grupo que recebeu glicina (respectivamente, p <0,04 e <0,029). Durante o perÃodo de estudo foram observados um total de vinte (19%) Eventos Adversos (EAs) na seguinte ordem de freqÃÃncia: vÃmitos (8,4%), diarrÃia (2,8%), nÃuseas (1,9%), infecÃÃo respiratÃria (1,9%), escabiose (1,9%), asma (0,9%), epistaxe (0,9%). Os EAs nÃo foram diferentes na anÃlise estatÃstica entre os grupos estudados e somente trÃs dos EAs foram considerados como SÃrios Eventos Adversos (SEAs ), dois no grupo da alanil-glutamina (1 asma e 1 diarrÃia) e um no grupo da glicina (1 diarrÃia). ConclusÃes: A suplementaÃÃo oral de AG por 10 dias melhorou a permeabilidade intestinal e o estado nutricional em crianÃas sob risco nutricional residentes em uma comunidade de Fortaleza / Introduction: In spite of the recognition of alterations in intestinal barrier function associated with malnutrition and the trophic effects of alanyl-glutamine (AG) on intestinal barrier function, measured by the rate of urinary excretion of Lactulose:Manitol, there are still few studies determining the effect of oral supplementation of AG in malnourished children. Objectives: Examine the effect of oral AG supplementation or the placebo Glycine (G) on intestinal barrier function and growth in children who are at risk for malnutrition and are residents of the University Park of Pici community. Methods: Double blind randomized study in children between 6 months and 8 years of age, with at least one of the z scores for the anthropometrical indicators (AIs) (weight-for-age, height-for-age, and weight-for-height) less than minus one. One hundred and seven children were randomized between July 2003 and November 2004, to receive AG (24 g/day) or G (25 g/day) in iso-nitrogenic quantities for 10 days. The urinary excretion of Lactulose:Mannitol was used as a measure of intestinal permeability, and was performed on the first and tenth days of the study protocol. The weight and height of the children were collected on the 1, 10, 30, and 120 days of the study protocol to calculate the AIs. Results: The percentage of urinary excretion of Lactulose decreased significantly in the group that received AG (p < 0.05 Student T test), but not in the group that received G. The cumulative improvement in the Anthropometrical Indicators, weight-for-height and weight-for-age on the 120 day of the study protocol were significant when covariant analysis was performed in the group which received AG versus the control group G (p < 0.04 and < 0.029, respectively). During the study period a total of 20 (19%) Adverse Events (AEs) were observed in the following order of frequency: vomiting (8.4%), diarrhea (2.8%), nausea (1.9%), respiratory infection (1.9%), scabies (1.9%), asthma (0.9%), epistaxis (0.9%). The AEs were not statistical different between the study groups, and only three of the AEs were considered Serious Adverse Events (SEAs), two in the AG group (1 asthma and 1 diarrhea) and one in the G group (1 diarrhea). Conclusions: The oral supplementation of AG for 10 days improved intestinal permeability and nutritional status in children at risk for malnutrition in a Fortaleza community

Introdução: A Organização Mundial da Saúde indica que a prevalência do déficit de altura tem diminuído no planeta nas últimas décadas, pouco se sabe ainda sobre os fatores associados a este declínio ou sua associação com a desigualdade social. Objetivo: Descrever a evolução do déficit de altura e da desigualdade socioeconômica em diferentes regiões do mundo. Métodos: A pesquisa foi baseada em dados secundários provenientes do programa Demografic Health Surveys DHS de 6 sub-regiões do mundo representando 24 países em um total de 48 pesquisas na década de 90 e na primeira década do século 21 com 377.151 crianças menores de 5 anos. Foi considerada como variável de interesse o Déficit de altura para idade considerado como a ocorrência deste índice inferior a -2 escore Z da distribuição de referência WHO-2006. Foram imputados através de modelo de regressão os valores faltantes das variáveis água para beber, esgoto sanitário e escolaridade materna. Foi estimado o Índice de Concentração para as variáveis déficit de altura, educação materna deficiente, água para beber insegura, esgoto domiciliar deficiente e ocorrência de doenças, tendo como variável de ranqueamento o Índice de Riqueza. Dados do poder de paridade de compra fornecidos pelo Banco Mundial foram utilizados para verificar as diferenças na evolução da desnutrição. Resultados: Nessa análise acerca da evolução da desigualdade socioeconômica do déficit de altura para idade em países em desenvolvimento constatou-se que: a) a prevalência do déficit de altura para idade decresceu em 87 por cento dos países; b) apenas 8 países (33 por cento ) aumentaram a diferença entre prevalência do déficit de altura nos quintos extremos c) quatorze países (58 por cento ) evoluíram com diminuição do déficit de altura e aumento do índice de concentração; d) Dois países que diminuíram a o déficit de altura e a desigualdade tinham os menores valores de escolaridade materna deficiente; e) 13 países (93 por cento ) daqueles que diminuíram déficit mas aumentaram a desigualdade possuíam indicadores de vulnerabilidade infantil deficientes. Conclusões: Os países em desenvolvimento apresentam redução no déficit de altura em crianças menores de 5 anos. A diminuição da desigualdade na riqueza e na escolaridade materna deficiente explicaram maior parte da melhoria da desigualdade do déficit de altura para idade. / Introduction: The World Health Organization indicates that the prevalence of stunting has decreased in recent decades on the planet, little is known about the factors associated with this decline or its association with social inequality. Objective: Describe the evolution of the high deficit and inequality in different parts of the world. Methods: The study was based on secondary data from Program \"demografic Health Statics - DHS\" 6 sub-regions of the world representing 26 countries in a total of 52 surveys in the 90s and the first decade of the 21st century with 377,151 children under 5 years. Was considered as the variable of interest \"deficit height / age\" considered as the occurrence of this index below -2 SCOREZ WHO-2006 reference distribution. Were imputed using regression model the missing values of variables to drink water, sanitary sewer and maternal education. It has been estimated the concentration index for the variables height deficit, poor maternal education, water to drink unsafe, poor household sewage and disease occurrence, with the ranking of the variable Wealth Index. Data parity purchasing power provided by the World Bank were used to verify the differences in the evolution of malnutrition. Results: In this analysis about the evolution of socioeconomic inequality of age for height deficit in developing countries it was found that: a) the prevalence of height for age decreased in 87 per cent of countries; b) only 8 countries (33 per cent ) increased the difference between prevalence of height deficit at the extremes the 5th c) fourteen countries (58 per cent ) evolved with decreased high deficit and increased concentration index; d) Two countries which decreased the deficit in height and inequality had the lowest values of poor maternal education; e) 13 countries (93 per cent ) of those who fell deficit but increased inequality had disabled child vulnerability indicators. Conclusions: Developing countries have reduced the height deficit in children under 5 years. The reduction of inequality in wealth and poor maternal education explained most of the improvement in inequality of age for height deficit.

Atualmente, o Brasil é o maior produtor de cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum ssp.), no qual o estado de São Paulo é responsável por mais de 50% da produção. Esta cultura é hospedeira de diversos patógenos que podem limitar sua produção, dentre os quais se destaca a bactéria Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli (Lxx), agente causal do raquitismo da soqueira (ratoon stunting disease - RSD). Pouco se sabe sobre a fisiologia deste organismo e quais as estratégias utilizadas por este para colonizar seu hospedeiro. No entanto, sabemos que para infectar e colonizar seus hospedeiros, é necessário que bactérias parasíticas superem estresses de diversas naturezas impostas durante estes processos, como os estresses oxidativo e o osmótico. Neste contexto, os objetivos deste trabalho foram identificar in silico e analisar a expressão in vitro, por qPCR, de genes relacionados a estes dois estresses. Uma análise da sequência do genoma de Lxx identificou 35 genes, sendo 8 relacionados ao estresse oxidativo, 9 relacionados ao estresse osmótico e 11 relacionados a estresse gerais, incluindo um cluster de 6 genes envolvidos na síntese de carotenoides. A expressão destes foi avaliada 60 minutos após exposição a 30mM de H2O2 ou 7% (p/v) de polietilenoglicol 6000 (PEG 6000). Sete genes foram avaliados como normalizadores das reações de qPCR. A quantificação do grau de peroxidação lipídica indicou que ambos os tratamentos resultaram em sensível peroxidação, muito embora o efeito do tratamento com PEG 6000 tenha sido maior do que o tratamento com H2O2. A exposição ao H2O2 aumentou a expressão dos genes katA (catalase), sodA (superóxido dismutase), msrA (Sulfóxido de metionina redutase) e msrB (Sulfóxido de metionina redutase) bem como de todos os genes responsáveis pela síntese de carotenoides. Por outro lado, todos os genes relacionados ao estresse osmótico foram menos expressos na presença deste composto. Já quando a bactéria foi exposta a PEG 6000, o oposto ocorreu, ou seja, os genes relacionados ao estresse osmótico, que são otsA (Trealose-6-fosfato sintase), otsB (Trealose fosfatase), treY (Malto-oligosil trealose sintase), treZ (Malto-oligosil trealose trealoidrolase), treS (Trealose sintase), proX (Proteína de ligamento em substrato, tipo ABC glicina betaína transportadora), proW (Proteína permease, tipo ABC glicina betaína transportadora), proZ (Proteína permease, tipo ABC glicina betaína transportadora) e Naggn (Amidotransferase), além dos genes do cluster carotenoide, foram mais expressos, ao passo que alguns dos genes ligados à resposta ao estresse oxidativo foram menos expressos. Verificou-se também, através de PCR convencional utilizando primers para amplificar as regiões entre os genes carotenoides, que estes são expressos como um RNA policistrônico, constituindo assim um operon. Estes resultados validam predições anteriores baseadas na análise in silico da sequência do genoma de Lxx, confirmando que Lxx possui mecanismos responsivos aos estresses osmótico e oxidativo aos quais é submetida durante o processo de infecção de seu hospedeiro. / Currently, Brazil is the largest producer of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) and the state of São Paulo accounts for over 50% of the national production. This crop is host to many pathogens that may limit its production, among which the bacterium Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli (Lxx), causal agent of ratoon stunting disease (RSD), is one of the most important. Little is known about the physiology of this organism and the strategies it uses to colonize its host. However, it is known that to infect and colonize their hosts, parasitic bacteria have to overcome stresses of various natures imposed during these processes, such as oxidative and osmotic stresses. In such context, the objectives of this study were to identify in silico and to analyze in vitro, by qPCR, the expression of Lxx genes related to these two stresses. The analysis of the genome sequence of Lxx identified 35 genes, of which 8 were related to oxidative stress, 9 to osmotic stress and 11 to general stress, including a cluster of 6 genes involved in the synthesis of carotenoids. The expression of these genes was assessed 60 minutes after exposure to either 30 mM of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or 7% (w/v) of polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG6000). Seven genes were tested as normalizers of the qPCR reactions. The quantification of the level of lipid peroxidation in cells of Lxx indicated that both treatments induced substantial peroxidation, even though the effect of PEG6000 was greater than that of H2O2. The exposure to H2O2 resulted in higher expression of the genes katA (catalase), sodA (superoxide dismutase), msrA (sulfoxide methionine reductase) and msrB (sulfoxide methionine reductase), as well as all genes involved in the synthesis of carotenoids. On the other hand, the expression of all genes related to osmotic stress was reduced in the presence of this compound. When Lxx was exposed to PEG6000, the opposite was detected: the expression of the genes related to osmotic stress, otsA (Trehalose-6- phosphate synthase), otsB (trehalose phosphatase), treY (Malto-oligosil trehalose synthase) treZ (Malto-oligosil trehalose trehaloidrolase), treS (trehalose synthase), proX (ligament protein substrate, type ABC glycine betaine carrier), proW (permease protein, ABC type glycine betaine carrier), proZ (protein permease, type ABC glycine betaine carrier) and naggn (amidotransferase), along with the carotenoid genes was increased, while some of the genes linked to oxidative stress response were less expressed. It was also concluded through conventional PCR that the genes of the carotenoid cluster are expressed as a polycistronic RNA and, therefore, this arrangement constitutes an operon. These results validate previous in silico predictions that Lxx has mechanisms responsive to osmotic and oxidative stresses to which it is subjected during the process of infection of its host.

Magister Economicae - MEcon / Kenya has continued to record decreasing child mortality rates in recent years, with available data showing that the under-five mortality rate was 85 per 1000 live births in 2010, down from 117 in 1997 (World Bank, 2012). However, the country continues to battle with poor anthropometric status of children (stunting, wasting and underweight). The country also faces high incidences of food insecurity. It is estimated that one third of the country’s population is food and nutrition insecure, with about 10 million of Kenyans suffering from chronic food insecurity (ROK, 2011). The worst affected are children, who are deprived of sufficient nutrients required for proper growth and development. This study seeks to analyse the relationship between household food security and the anthropometric status of children. Specific objectives include identifying the prevalence and predictors of poor anthropometry, identifying the extent of food insecurity in the country and investigating the link between food security and the anthropometric status of children. The research uses data from the Kenya Integrated Household Budget Survey (2005/2006). The survey which was carried out for a period of 12 months covered the entire country and collected data on the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the households. It also collected data on child anthropometric measurements and households’ food consumption patterns. The statistical software package STATA SE v.12 is used to run ordinary linear (OLS) and logistical regressions in order to analyse the relationship between household food security and the anthropometric status of children. Results show that the prevalence of malnutrition is high in the country with stunting coming out as the main form of malnutrition. Dietary diversity, a measure of food security, is found to be highest in the urban areas. Results from the regression analysis show that a Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) is positively associated with better anthropometry, with the prevalence of malnutrition decreasing with an increase in the score. The study also found that other risk factors associated with poor anthropometry are age of the child, gender, area of residence, diarrhoea, education, household size and income. The paper concludes with suggestions on measures that need to be put in place to curb child malnutrition.

Background: Stunting prevalence in children less than 5 years has remained stagnated in Peru from 1992 to 2007, with a rapid reduction thereafter. We aimed to assess the role of different predictors on stunting reduction over time and across departments, from 2000 to 2012. Methods: We used various secondary data sources to describe time trends of stunting and of possible predictors that included distal to proximal determinants. We determined a ranking of departments by annual change of stunting and of different predictors. To account for variation over time and across departments, we used an ecological hierarchical approach based on a multilevel mixed-effects regression model, considering stunting as the outcome. Our unit of analysis was one department-year. Results: Stunting followed a decreasing trend in all departments, with differing slopes. The reduction pace was higher from 2007–2008 onwards. The departments with the highest annual stunting reduction were Cusco (−2.31%), Amazonas (−1.57%), Puno (−1.54%), Huanuco (−1.52%), and Ancash (−1.44). Those with the lowest reduction were Ica (−0.67%), Ucayali (−0.64%), Tumbes (−0.45%), Lima (−0.37%), and Tacna (−0.31%). Amazon and Andean departments, with the highest baseline poverty rates and concentrating the highest rural populations, showed the highest stunting reduction. In the multilevel analysis, when accounting for confounding, social determinants seemed to be the most important factors influencing annual stunting reduction, with significant variation between departments. Conclusions: Stunting reduction may be explained by the adoption of anti-poverty policies and sustained implementation of equitable crosscutting interventions, with focus on poorest areas. Inclusion of quality indicators for reproductive, maternal, neonatal and child health interventions may enable further analyses to show the influence of these factors. After a long stagnation period, Peru reduced dramatically its national and departmental stunting prevalence, thanks to a combination of social determinants and crosscutting factors. This experience offers useful lessons to other countries trying to improve their children’s nutrition. / Revisión por pares

Nigerians have been opting for a more processed Western diet. These changes in dietary choices have aligned with obesity and undernutrition, attributable to micronutrient deficiencies or malnutrition. Many scholars have presented varying intervention strategies ranging from consumption of a variety of foods containing the necessary micronutrients to food fortification. The purpose of this grounded theory study was to explore the perceptions of women in an urban city in Nigeria on indigenous foods and Western dietary influences to determine social interactions, the consequence of the interactions, and the women’s current perceptions of food choices. The social-ecological model was used to explore the interaction between a woman and her environment. Women between the ages of 20 to 30 from the urban city of Jos, Nigeria, constituted the population of interest, and 12 women were chosen for the sample. From the in-depth interviews, a thematic analysis was employed to provide sociocontextual reasoning for changes in diet that have led to the loss of interest in traditional foods and cultures. This study found that Jos has a variety of foods, yet women choose the same staple foods to feed their families. Additionally, despite a marginal understanding of the health impact of diet, most women choose the convenience and palatability of Western options, citing cost as the rationale for choosing to cook staple Western-inspired meals at home. Understanding media, convenience, and cost can impact social change by enlightening communities on the interconnectedness of human health, cultures, and industrialization. Health care providers can monitor the outcomes of those who consume a variety of indigenous foods to see how such a practice could influence the overall health status of Nigerian families.

No description available.

Abstract Background Childhood stunting is a major public health problem in low- and middle-income countries including Myanmar. There are many negative consequences of childhood stunting such as immediately during childhood and irreversible effects which can extend to adulthood. Achieving minimum dietary diversity (MDD) can improve a child’s nutrition status and it is an important indicator of child nutritional outcomes. Therefore, this study aims to explore the association between MDD and stunting among children aged 6-23 months in Myanmar. Method This study is a cross-sectional analysis of Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey (2015-16). A total of 1287 children aged 6-23 months were selected as study participants. Descriptive statistics were done to present the background characteristics of the study participants. Chi-square tests were performed to find out the association between background characteristics, MDD, and stunting. Finally, logistic regressions were done to evaluate the association between minimum dietary diversity and stunting. Result Among 1,287 participants of 6-23 months children, 20.9% were stunted and 20.2% achieved minimum dietary diversity according to the WHO updated definition of MDD. After adjusting with wealth index, maternal education, and type of place of residence, the odds of stunting were reduced 30% if a child did not consume minimum dietary diversity (AOR 0.70, CI 0.50-0,97). Conclusion Both the low prevalence of minimum dietary and the high prevalence of stunting existed among children 6-23 months in Myanmar. Contrarily, the odds of stunting were reduced if the child did not meet MDD.  Keywords Myanmar, minimum dietary diversity, childhood stunting

Background: Maternal malnutrition in developing countries is associated with adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes. Malnourished mothers are often faced with additional risk factors as a circumstance of poverty. Supplementary nutrition can improve the outcomes of both mother and infant. Identifying maternal nutritional and socioeconomic risk factors is critical for developing effective interventions. Objective: A secondary analysis to evaluate maternal risk factors associated with poor birth outcomes including pregnancy loss, low birth weight, stunting, and preterm delivery among moderately malnourished pregnant women in Sierra Leone. Maternal risk factors in the analysis are age, education, parity, BMI, MUAC, gestational weight gain, and recent exposure to malaria infection. Methods: Pregnant women were enrolled into a randomized controlled trial when presenting with a MUAC ≤ 23cm (N=1475). Demographic information was collected and women were randomly assigned two receive either a ready-to-use supplementary food (RUSF) or a corn-soy blended flour with an iron and folic acid supplement (CSB +IFA). Anthropometric measurements of height, weight, MUAC, and fundal height were measured every two weeks during pregnancy. Upon delivery the infant was measured for length, weight, MUAC, and head circumference and the mother was measured for MUAC. Infant outcomes of interest included stunting (length-for-age z-score Results: The mean age of enrolled pregnant women was 21.2 years with a mean BMI of 19.78 kg/m2. A total of 33.2% had never attended school. Controlling for weeks on treatment and BMI at enrollment, mothers receiving the RUSF treatment gained a mean 0.49 kg (p2 produced infants that were significantly smaller than women with a BMI ≥ 18.5 kg/cm2 . Similarly, infants born to women with a MUAC(p=0.004) and had a 0.26 cm smaller MUAC (p=0.008) compared to women with a MUAC ≤23. Additionally, for every one unit decrease in maternal MUAC, women has 1.2 greater odds of preterm delivery (p=0.022). Also, women with adequate weekly weight gain gave birth to infants with a 0.37 cm greater mean length (p=0.012), 7.0 g greater mean weight (p=0.030), and 0.08 cm greater mean MUAC (p=0.045) than women with inadequate weight gain. No association was found between recent exposure to malaria at enrollment and poor infant outcomes. Conclusion: In resource poor settings like Sierra Leone with high rates of maternal malnutrition and a high burden of stunting, LBW, and preterm delivery, use of RUSF improved maternal nutritional status but did not impact infant outcomes. The youngest adolescents had the most adverse infant outcomes. Education did not have the expected outcome, indicating other risk factors in this population may play a greater role in infant outcomes. Maternal risk factors of malnutrition such as BMI2and MUACpregnancy, women should be encouraged to gain adequate weight. Young primiparous adolescent are at the highest risk and interventions to postpone motherhood should be priority.