The intervention
Milk, MP
All caregivers were offered nutrition counseling at inclusion, in line with the national policy on infant and young child feeding. Those randomized to the intervention arm received 1 LNS sachet of 100 g/day for 12 weeks. The energy and macronutrient contents of the 4 LNS formulations were matched. The 4 formulations of LNS were based on MP or soy protein isolate and WP or maltodextrin. Milk or soy protein constituted 50% of total protein, and a vitamin-mineral-mix was added in addition to the minerals from WP. The experimental and comparative ingredients were decided by the study team, and final LNS formulations were developed, manufactured, and pre-packed by Nutriset (Malaunay, France) in coded zip-lock bags of 14 sachets. Each 100 g LNS sachet provided 530 to 535 kcal that constituted up to half of the average daily energy requirements of a child and satisfied the daily micronutrient requirements, except for vitamin K and niacin (