Evaluation of Kumarkalyana ghrita in management of underweight in children – a randomized controlled clinical trial

Malnutrition is the major global health problem in children which affects large numbers of children in developing countries. Under nutrition or underweight children are those who have their expected weight for age to be between (-2)SD to (-3) SD in growth chart.(1)  Nearly half of deaths among children under 5 years of age are linked to undernutrition. These mostly occur in low- and middle-income countries. The developmental, economic, social and medical impacts of the global burden of malnutrition are serious and lasting, for individuals and their families, for communities and for countries(2). As per NFHS 5 in India shows 32.1% were underweight,  35.5% were stunted & 19.3% were wasted.(3)Good nutrition leads to stronger immune system, low illness, better health whereas chronic malnutrition hampers immunity & makes the child susceptible to various infections.Malnutrition  can cause missing key nutrients, which can affect brain development and slower growth. Despite numerous interventions and initiatives aimed at minimizing malnutrition and mortality among children, the situation remains a major concern that requires some more action. At present, the line of treatment adopted is administering nutritional supplements, anti-helminthic drugs, etc The protein powders are the most commonly used health supplement. Its components like fibre and isolates of soya protein may lead to gastro-intestinal problems like constipation, bloating, and nausea.(4) In Ayurveda various drugs have been mentioned which have pustikar, balya, brihmana karma and can have multidimensional effect on improving child’s nutrition and health. Kumarkalyana Ghrita is one of the drug mentioned in classics which posses karmas like *pustikarand balya.(5)*Therefore, this study is taken for the management of underweight in children.