Short stature is a frequent reason for referral to a pediatric endocrinology clinic. Short stature is especially prevalent among those with failure to thrive (whose weight is significantly below the average weight of his/her peers). The growth hormone has limited efficacy for medical treatment of short stature when the cause of short stature is not growth hormone deficiency. This study will investigate the effect of 6 months of nutritional supplement (essential amino acids) compared to placebo in the linear growth of short children who have not yet reached puberty.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
24
Eligible children will be supplemented with Essential Amino Acids (EAA) for 6 months twice a day. Caution will be exercised to match the groups for age and sex.
Eligible children will be supplemented with a placebo for 6 months twice a day. Caution will be exercised to match the groups for age and sex.
Emir Tas
Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
Linear Growth
Growth velocity (cm/year) will be calculated and compared between arms using the height measurements taken before and after 6 months of Essential Amino Acids vs Placebo supplementation.
Time frame: 6 months
Body Composition
Lean body mass will be measured using Dual X-Ray Absorptimetry (DXA) scan and compared between arms using the measurements taken before and after 6 months of Essential Amino Acids vs Placebo supplementation.
Time frame: 6 months
Body Composition
Body fat mass will be measured using Dual X-Ray Absorptimetry (DXA) scan and compared between arms using the measurements taken before and after 6 months of Essential Amino Acids vs Placebo supplementation.
Time frame: 6 months
Body Composition
Visceral fat mass will be measured using Dual X-Ray Absorptimetry (DXA) scan and compared between arms using the measurements taken before and after 6 months of Essential Amino Acids vs Placebo supplementation.
Time frame: 6 months
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.