(P02-115-25) Impact of Amino Acid-Rich Fish Waste Supplementation on Cognition and Eating Behavior in Children With Malnutrition: A Mixed-Methods Study in Urban Slums of Bengaluru, India

Objectives: Child malnutrition is a critical issue in India, particularly in urban slums. Deficiencies in essential amino acids can impair growth and cognitive development in hungry children. Fish waste, discarded despite its rich nutrient profile, presents a sustainable solution. This study evaluates the impact of amino acid-rich fish waste supplementation on cognitive function and eating behavior in children living in Bengaluru’s slums, leveraging local cultural preferences to promote sustainable growth.

Methods: Collaborated with a local NGO, we conducted a mixed-methods study with 46 malnourished children aged 3-6 years in Bengaluru’s urban slums. The intervention group, received a daily hot meal enriched with fish waste powder containing essential amino acids integrated into traditional Indian recipes for 90 days. Cognitive functions, including visual processing, short-term memory, and planning ability, were assessed. Additionally, focus group discussions with 21 local caregivers were conducted to identify changes in health behaviors and positive health outcomes among malnourished children.

Results: Supplementation with amino acid-rich fish waste significantly enhanced cognitive functions in the intervention group, showing improvements in visual processing, short-term memory, and planning ability. These cognitive benefits were linked to the observation of improved health behaviors, such as increased motivation, positive peer modeling, willingness to try new foods, positive eating experiences, and self-regulation. Children with protein supplements also demonstrated healthier eating habits, improved physical growth, enhanced academic performance, and emotional maturity.

Conclusions: Incorporating amino acid-rich fish waste into children’s diets, tailored to local cultural preferences, offers a promising and sustainable strategy for addressing child malnutrition in India’s urban slums. This approach not only improves cognitive function and eating behavior but also supports overall child growth. Further research is needed to expand this model to other regions and explore its long-term impact.

Funding Sources: This study was supported by grants from the Oregon State University Foundation [Marine-Based Protein Research Fund] and The College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University [Dean’s Excellence Fund].