Treatment and Rehabilitation of Moderate Acute Malnutrition: Strategies and Best Practices

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In 2025, millions of children under 5 suffer from the adverse effects of Moderate Acute Malnutrition – a nutritional deficiency that stunts normal growth, delays cognitive development, and deteriorates overall health. In this latest blog, we decode the most effective strategies and best practices for rehabilitating and treating MAM on how to restore a child’s health, prevent deterioration, and build long-term resilience through the use of RUSF.

Table of Contents

  •  
    • What is Moderate Acute Malnutrition?
    • Key Treatment Strategies
    • Nutrition and Supplementation Options
    • Role of Caregivers
    • Key Takeaways
    • FAQ
    • Conclusion

What is Moderate Acute Malnutrition?

Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) is defined by WHO guidelines as a weight-for-height score between −2 and −3 or a weight-for-height percentile (WFH) between 70% and 79% compared to a reference population. MAM is characterized by moderate wasting and stunting. It can easily progress to Severe Acute Malnutrition if left untreated or taken lightly.

Key Treatment Strategies

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    • Ready-to-Use Supplementary Foods: RUSF is a special nutrient-dense paste designed to provide essential calories, protein, and micronutrients. It is made from fortified peanut paste combined with other ingredients that help the child recover at the earliest.
    • Community Based Supplementary Feeding Programs: With this approach, children with MAM are identified and provided with regular RUSF treatment, and are watched closely, monitoring growth and clinical signs.
    • Home Intervention: Encouraging and strengthening a nutritional family meal using locally available, nutrient-dense foods, fortified with beans, dairy, eggs, or enriched flours.

Nutrition and Supplementation Options

Supplement Type

Purpose

Administration

Nuflower RUSF

Restore weight, save lives

At home, daily

Other Fortified Blended Foods

Boost micronutrients

Mixed in porridge

Role of Caregivers in Treating MAM

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    • Prepare safe, hygienic meals, fortifying them with proteins and fats.
    • Educate self with community training for nutrition education.
    • Monitor the children for possible relapse or new symptoms to seek early guidance.

Key Takeaways

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    • Early detection and timely intervention can prevent escalation to severe acute malnutrition.
    • RUSF and fortified foods are highly effective for quick nutritional rehabilitation.
    • Community health workers are critical in identifying and supporting children with MAM.
    • Caregiver empowerment strengthens compliance and sustainability.

 

Know More about RUSF

FAQ

  • What causes Moderate Acute Malnutrition?
    Common causes include insufficient dietary intake, illness, or poor feeding practices.
  • Why choose a product like Nuflower RUSF for MAM?
    Ready-to-Use Supplementary Foods (RUSF) like Nuflower are easy to use at home, provide precise nutrition, and have shown better results in weight gain and recovery compared to nutrition counselling alone. Nuflower RUSF is designed to meet the WHO guidelines for treating MAM
  • How often should Nuflower RUSF be given to a child with MAM?
    The typical recommendation is one sachet (about 500–550kcal) of RUSF per day for children with MAM, adjusted based on the child’s weight and MUAC
  • How long does recovery take?
    Recovery usually takes 4–8 weeks, but it can vary based on various factors.

MAM is most certainly treatable with a combination of early detection, effective food supplements, and community support. At Nuflower, we developed our RUSF formulation to make a real difference for families and communities. Backed by science and designed for convenience, Nuflower RUSF empowers caregivers and health workers to deliver life-changing nutrition, right at home, where every meal helps a child regain strength, energy, and hope for the future.


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