Key Differences between SAM & MAM: Their Respective Treatments

-

Malnutrition is no longer a third-world problem but a global crisis that needs immediate attention. Malnutrition is defined as the insufficient nutrition required for the proper functioning of the body. Out of the many ill effects of malnutrition, stunted growth, a poor immune system, and severe health concerns are the most alarming. The World Health Organization (WHO) claims that globally, over 149 million children under five are stunted having low height for their age. 50 million children under the age of five are said to be wasted - having extremely low weight for height.

 

The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 2 aims to end all forms of malnutrition by 2030, highlighting the need for global action to address this pressing public health concern.

 

KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SAM & MAM

 

 

 

Moderate Acute Malnutrition

Severe Acute Malnutrition

Definition

MAM is defined as a moderate degree of malnutrition, with a weight-for-height between -2 and -3 z-scores of the median WHO growth standards.

SAM is defined as having an extremely low weight for height (below -3 z-scores of the median WHO growth standards)

Risks and Complications

MAM is less severe and has a lower risk of complications.

SAM is usually associated with higher risks of severe medical complications, such as infection, organ failure, and death.

Treatment

MAM can often be managed with simpler interventions, such as supplemental feeding, nutrient-rich foods, and education on optimal infant and young child feeding practices.

The treatment of SAM and MAM differs significantly. SAM requires specialized medical care, such as inpatient or outpatient therapeutic feeding, antibiotics, and other supportive care.

Duration of Treatment

MAM may require only short-term treatment.

The duration of treatment for SAM is typically longer than for MAM. SAM requires a more intensive and longer-term treatment plan

Treatment Plans

MAM can be treated with RUSF pastes like Nutrifeedo Lite. Its complex blend is designed to provide high protein and high energy with a heavy dose of micronutrients. Its nutritional profile, however, caters to children who are Moderately Acute Malnourished.

SAM can be treated with fortified peanut butter like Nutrifeedo. It is a peanut-based paste, which through high lipid and protein content, provides high energy in a very compact form. It is also heavily fortified with all the micronutrients Severely Acute Malnourished child may require.

 

World organizations are continually spreading awareness of malnutrition, its types, and the various treatment plans to combat the severe implications of malnutrition in children. They also continually work with RUTF and RUSF manufacturers to bring malnutrition-combatting solutions like RUSF and RUTF supplements that transform the lives of children affected by severe acute malnutrition and moderate acute malnutrition.

 

RUTF and RUSF supplements are beacons of hope in the fight against malnutrition in children and continue to be the safest, fastest, and most cost-effective treatment for both severe acute malnutrition and moderate acute malnutrition. Read more about high-quality malnutrition-combatting supplements here.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Science Behind RUSF

-
Image
Malnutrition remains the leading cause of death in young children under 5. Even a few years ago, there was no guaranteed measure to combat this deadly condition, but today, due to the awareness spread by the World Organizations, RUSF, and peanut butter manufacturers (who also happen to manufacture RUSF at a large scale) malnutrition has become a topic of inquisitiveness and people are interested in knowing how to combat this deadly condition in an effective manner. RUSF which stands for Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food is a well-accepted means to fight the effects of malnutrition in young children under 5. So much so that world organizations consider it the best possible treatment plan to restore health and healthy weight in children. RUSF is a packet food rich in roasted peanuts, milk powder, sugar, non-hydrogenated vegetables, vegetable oil, emulsifiers, and vitamin-mineral premix. The energy-intensive peanut-based RUSF paste offers an intensive energy boost coupled with a substa...
Read more

Manufacturing Peanut Butter - The In & Out

-
Image
Peanut butter is a popular spread that is enjoyed by many people worldwide. It is made from ground-roasted peanuts and is commonly used as an independent spread and a secret ingredient in many classic recipes. The process of making peanut butter may seem simple, but peanut butter manufacturers confirm that it is actually a complex process that involves several carefully calculated steps. The primary ingredient in peanut butter is peanuts, which are roasted and ground to create a smooth or crunchy paste. However, some manufacturers may add other ingredients to enhance the flavor or texture of the product, such as sugar, salt, vegetable oil, and emulsifiers. Additionally, some peanut butter may contain other ingredients, such as honey, chocolate, or spices, to create different flavor variations. The Manufacturing Process of Peanut Butter   The process of manufacturing peanut butter can vary depending on the manufacturer's specific recipe and manufacturing process. However, mos...
Read more

The Psychological And Emotional Impacts Of Child Malnutrition

-
Image
Malnutrition is a condition that has impacts that transcend health. While the physical consequences of malnutrition are well-documented, the psychological and emotional impacts are often overlooked. It has severe psychological and emotional impacts that go beyond childhood and stay for the duration of a lifetime. Malnutrition is one of the most complex problems among millions of children with severe consequences for physical health, cognitive development, and overall well-being. Here are some profound effects of malnutrition on a child’s mental health and emotional well-being. Impaired Cognitive Development Proper nutrition is crucial for the growth and development of the brain, and when children lack essential nutrients, their cognitive abilities suffer. Malnourished children experience difficulties with memory, attention, problem-solving, and language development. These cognitive deficits can have long-term consequences, impacting their academic performance and future prospects...
Read more