The effect of snakehead fish (Channa striata) cookies supplementation on fetal growth and birth outcomes: A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND: An estimated 15–20% of all births worldwide are low birth weight (LBW). In Indonesia, the LBW incidence reached more than 10% in 2013. Improved maternal nutrition is needed by providing high-calorie-protein supplementation for pregnant women to prevent intrauterine growth retardation and LBW. OBJECTIVES: To observe the effect of snakehead fish (Channa striata) cookies supplementation during pregnancy on fetal growth and birth outcomes. METHODS: A total of 50 pregnant women were included in this randomized controlled trial study and were randomly allocated into two groups: treatment and controls. Subjects in the treatment group received supplementation of snakehead fish cookies during pregnancy until giving birth as much as 75 g per day, while subjects in the control group received standard cookies. The snakehead fish cookies underwent a formulation process and were tested for nutrient content and microbial contamination to ensure safety before being given to the subjects. Fetal growth was monitored monthly using 2-dimensional ultrasonography. RESULTS: The average intake of cookies did not differ between the two groups (Control 69.6 (16.8)% vs Snakehead fish 64.6 (15.3)%, p = 0.278). There were no significant differences in fetal estimated fetal weight, biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference, femur length, birth weight, and birth length between the treatment and control groups (p >  0.05). However, the fetal growth measurements on the subjects who consumed snakehead fish cookies were practically higher than those who ate standard cookies. CONCLUSION: The snakehead fish cookies did improve the fetal growth measurements but the results were not significantly different when compared to standard cookies.