<![CDATA[Background: Undernutrition remains a major public health problem among children under five years of age. Inadequate intake of protein and micronutrients contributes to poor nutritional status and growth restriction. This study aimed to analyze the effect of laor stick supplementation on serum calcium levels and short-term growth outcomes among undernourished children aged 12–59 months in Ambon City. Methods: This single-blind, randomized trial was conducted over 60 days in Ambon City. Eligible children were assigned to groups using computer-generated random numbers with allocation concealed in opaque envelopes. Outcome assessors and laboratory analysts were blinded to the assignment. A total of 56 undernourished children completed the final analysis, consisting of 30 children in the intervention group and 26 children in the control group following 4 dropouts in the control arm. The intervention group (n = 30) received 40 g/day of laor sticks, while the control group (n = 26) received 40 g/day of tuna fish sticks serving as an active nutritional comparator. Data collection included anthropometric measurements, three-day 24-hour dietary recalls, and serum calcium examination using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests, followed by multivariate regression analysis. Results: The intervention group showed significantly greater increases in energy, protein, and calcium intake compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Serum calcium levels increased significantly more in the intervention group compared to the control group, with a between-group mean difference of 0.24 mg/dL(95% CI: 0.17, 0.31mg/dL; p < 0.001). Significant advantages were also observed for the intervention group in body weight gain (between-group mean difference: 0.31 kg, (95% CI: 0.20, 0.42 kg; p < 0.001) and height gain (between-group mean difference: 0.42 cm (95% CI: 0.31, 0.53 cm; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Laor stick supplementation was associated with greater short-term improvements in nutrient intake, serum calcium, body weight, and height gain compared with tuna fish sticks. Longer and larger trials using standardized growth indicators are required.]]>
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