Early INCAP longitudinal nutrition studies at the community level.

This paper reviews the findings of early field studies of INCAP comparing the effects of vitamin B12 and animal and vegetable protein on the growth of poorly nourished schoolchildren. It also describes a 5-year community-based intervention study showing that a protein-rich supplement given to preschool children improves growth and cognition and decreases morbidity and mortality. Medical care in one village had no detectable benefits. A classical seven-year community-based detailed observational study of the infection status and growth in children from birth is also summarized.