RUTF - Curbing Malnutrition In Children

The World Health Organization (WHO) claims that 45% of child deaths are associated with malnutrition and about 45 million children worldwide are suffering from malnutrition. Severe acute malnutrition and moderate acute malnutrition affect children under 5 years of age, exponentially degrading their quality of life, implicating adverse long-term impacts and remaining the leading cause of child mortality.

 

Between January and June of this year, the number of severely malnourished children grew at a rate of one child every minute, says UNICEF.

 Since the beginning of 2022, an additional 260,259 children, or one child every minute, have been suffering from severe wasting in 15 countries because of the global food crisis, claims UNICEF. Millions of children are severely food insecure; lacking access to enough food to meet minimum food needs, leaving them at high risk of severe wasting.

 Out of its several forms, severe acute malnutrition, characterized by rapid weight loss is the most prevalent, claiming innocent lives worldwide. Though common in low-income and middle-income countries, every country in the world is somehow affected with malnutrition making malnutrition a global challenge. 

 CAUSES OF MALNUTRITION IN CHILDREN

 The causes of malnutrition are mainly socioeconomic status, aftermath of war and other geopolitical tensions, poor quality of diet, poor absorption of nutrients or poor maternal health. In any of the mentioned cases, it is important to offer supplementary nutrition to avoid adverse effects of malnutrition. Without proper treatment, the majority of children who survive this deadly condition live with major health complications, cognitive and physical capabilities.

 The period between birth and two years of age is highly critical in terms of child development. The nutritional value offered to a child in this period determines their growth and development. Deprivation of quality nutrition in early years of life often leads to negative impact later in life as it affects bodily functions like producing enzymes, hormones and other substances needed for growth and development.

 

 RUTF - A Lifesaving Tool To Combat Malnutrition

 Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) have proven to be effective in the community-based treatment of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) because of their specialized nutrient composition, the reduced risk of contamination associated with their use, and the fact that children can consume RUTF in their homes, obviating the need for inpatient treatment.

 

RUTF is fortified energy-intensive peanut butter paste rich containing roasted peanuts, sugar, non-hydrogenated vegetable oil and skimmed milk powder rich in micronutrients, vitamins and minerals critical to child development and in fighting the effects of malnutrition.

 

According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 98% of children treated with RUTF were well-nourished after six months and 96% were well-nourished after a year.

 

RUTF has revolutionized the treatment of malnutrition across the world. It helps malnutritioned children regain strength and bring them back to full health in as little as six weeks.

 

As an urgent treatment of acute malnutrition in children between six months to five years of age, RUTF has significantly improved survival rates through the ability to treat an extensive number of malnourished children in community settings as opposed to health facilities during emergencies.

 

Benefits Of RUTF In The Treatment Of Malnutrition

 

●        RUTF is rich in micronutrients required for recovery from malnutrition, enabling rapid and safe weight gain in children.

●        The fortified peanut paste has an appealing taste and is easily digestible.

●        Easy to consume - can be consumed straight from the easy-to-tear packet.

●        It comes with a long shelf life, making it convenient for storage.

●        RUTF is not water based thus eliminating the risk of water-borne bacterial growth.

●        Safe to use without refrigeration.

●        The principal advantage of RUTF is that children can be conveniently treated at home by their parents, reducing cost and time away from home.

●        Faster recovery rates.

●        Survival rates increased significantly.

  

RUTF is undoubtedly the secret weapon in fighting malnutrition in children and offering a better standard of life through improved physical health and development. ​​As of today, UNICEF is the world’s largest buyer of therapeutic food, procuring an incredible 80 per cent of the world’s emergency RUTF supplies, equivalent to 49,000 metric tons.

 “Food aid is critical, but we cannot save starving children with bags of wheat. We need to reach these children now with therapeutic treatment before it is too late.”

Catherine Russell, Executive Director - UNICEF

   

With the accelerating cases of malnutrition, one every minute and fifty million children under age 5 are estimated to be acutely malnourished this year, and a further 150 million risk lifelong impacts of child stunting, we urge everyone to take a step towards averting a global crisis and being part of the change. We request everyone to raise awareness of the impending crisis awaiting these children and take the first step towards bringing about a revolution - saving lives.

 As a leading peanut butter supplier in India, Nuflower  is the preferred partner of some of the biggest international  health and humanitarian organizations of the world, for the manufacturing of Ready-to-Eat, Lipid-based Nutritional Supplements (LNS) and therapeutic foods to tackle acute malnutrition in children.