Researchers tested a new type of toast made from corn mixed with a nutritious plant called quelite to help people recover from not eating enough food. They fed malnourished mice different types of toast for three weeks and measured how well their bodies recovered. The mice that ate purple corn toast with quelite showed the biggest improvements in weight, energy levels, and liver health. This affordable, plant-based food could help communities where people don’t have enough nutrition, especially since quelite is already used in traditional cooking.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether adding a nutritious plant called quelite to corn toast could help malnourished mice recover their health and strength
  • Who participated: Laboratory mice (BALB/c strain) that were first underfed for three weeks to simulate malnutrition, then fed different types of enriched toast for three weeks
  • Key finding: Mice eating purple corn toast mixed with 10% quelite flour recovered the best, showing improved weight gain, better blood sugar control, stronger protective proteins in their blood, and healthier liver tissue compared to regular corn toast
  • What it means for you: This suggests that adding quelite to everyday foods like toast could be an affordable, natural way to help people recover from malnutrition. However, this was tested in mice, so human studies are needed before recommending it as a treatment

The Research Details

Scientists created malnutrition in mice by restricting their food to half the normal amount for three weeks. This mimics what happens to malnourished people. After three weeks, they divided the mice into groups and fed them different types of toast for another three weeks: regular white corn toast, regular purple corn toast, white corn toast with 10% quelite flour added, and purple corn toast with 10% quelite flour added.

Throughout the study, researchers measured multiple health markers including how much weight the mice gained back, their blood sugar levels, the size of their organs, and special proteins in their blood that protect against damage. They also examined liver tissue under a microscope to see if the organ structure improved.

This approach allowed researchers to test whether the quelite-enriched toast could reverse the damage caused by malnutrition and which combination worked best.

Testing in mice first is important because it allows researchers to carefully control all conditions and measure detailed biological changes that would be difficult to study in humans. This type of study helps determine if a food idea is worth testing in real people and provides clues about how it works in the body

This is a controlled laboratory study, which is good for understanding how a food affects the body. However, mice don’t always respond the same way humans do, so results need confirmation in human studies. The study measured multiple health markers, which strengthens confidence in the findings. The specific sample size wasn’t provided in the abstract, which limits our ability to assess statistical strength

What the Results Show

Malnutrition caused serious problems in the mice: they lost weight, had lower blood sugar, their protective antioxidant defenses weakened, and their liver tissue became damaged. When researchers fed the malnourished mice the enriched toast, all groups showed recovery, but the purple corn toast with quelite (PQT) performed best.

The PQT group showed the most impressive weight gain during recovery, meaning their bodies rebuilt muscle and tissue most effectively. Their blood sugar returned to normal levels faster than other groups. The mice in this group also had higher levels of protective proteins and special molecules called thiols that defend cells from damage.

When researchers looked at liver tissue under a microscope, they found that all the toast-fed groups had improved liver structure, but the PQT group showed the most complete restoration of normal liver architecture. This suggests the organ was healing better.

The study found that purple corn itself (without quelite) performed better than white corn for recovery. This suggests that the natural pigments in purple corn may have additional health benefits. The quelite flour addition boosted these benefits further, particularly for blood protein levels and antioxidant protection. The combination of purple corn plus quelite appeared to work better than either ingredient alone

Previous research has shown that amaranthus plants (which include quelite) are nutritionally dense with protein, minerals, and antioxidants. This study confirms that adding these plants to staple foods like corn can enhance their nutritional value. The findings align with traditional food practices in Latin America where quelite has been used for centuries, suggesting that cultural food knowledge may have scientific backing

This study was conducted only in mice, so results may not directly apply to humans. The specific number of mice in each group wasn’t provided, making it hard to judge statistical reliability. The study only lasted six weeks total, so we don’t know if benefits continue longer-term. Real-world factors like taste, cost, and how people actually eat weren’t tested. The study didn’t compare this toast to other malnutrition treatments that already exist

The Bottom Line

Based on this mouse study, quelite-enriched corn toast appears promising as a nutritious recovery food for malnutrition (moderate confidence level). However, human studies are needed before making specific recommendations. If you’re interested in this approach, discuss it with a healthcare provider. Purple corn with quelite appears more effective than white corn versions

This research is most relevant to public health officials and nutritionists working in communities with malnutrition, particularly in Latin America where quelite is traditionally available. It may be especially useful for vulnerable populations like children, elderly people, and those recovering from illness. This is not a replacement for medical treatment of severe malnutrition

In the mouse study, significant improvements appeared within three weeks of eating the enriched toast. In humans, recovery from malnutrition typically takes longer and depends on how severe the malnutrition was. Realistic expectations would be gradual improvement over weeks to months with consistent nutrition

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly body weight and energy levels when consuming enriched grain products. Note any improvements in appetite, strength, or how you feel during daily activities
  • If you have access to amaranthus or similar nutrient-dense greens, try adding them to your regular grain-based foods like bread, toast, or porridge. Start with small amounts (5-10%) and gradually increase as you get used to the taste
  • Over 4-6 weeks, monitor changes in body weight, energy levels, and overall wellness. Keep a simple food diary noting when you eat the enriched foods and how you feel. Share results with a healthcare provider to ensure the approach is working for your individual situation

This research was conducted in mice and has not been tested in humans. It should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment of malnutrition or any medical condition. Severe malnutrition requires professional medical supervision and treatment. Before making significant dietary changes, especially if you have a medical condition or take medications, consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian. This summary is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.