Conclusion
In conclusion, the findings suggest some benefit of short-term supplementation (i.e. 180 d) during infancy with milk–cereal mix containing modest amount of protein and multiple micronutrients on the motor scores and infant temperament soon after supplementation ceased, that is, at 12 months of age, compared with no supplementation. These effects seem to be more pronounced among stunted infants. However, these benefits were not measurable 12 months later, that is, at 24 months of age. The study found no advantage of supplementing infants with milk–cereal mix having high protein, rather a low socio-emotional scores and difficult temperament at 12 months of age was observed. The findings are relevant from the policy perspective as increasing the amount of protein in the supplement increases the cost and has no added advantage. Longer follow-up of infants and children may provide more insights on the effect of nutritional supplementation on neurodevelopment later into childhood and adolescence.