Soya, maize, and sorghum-based ready-to-use therapeutic food with amino acid is as efficacious as the standard milk and peanut paste-based formulation for the treatment of severe acute malnutrition in children: a noninferiority individually randomized controlled efficacy clinical trial in Malawi

Weight gain among children under five with severe malnutrition in therapeutic feeding programmes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Globally, some 45 million children under five years of age are wasted (low weight-for-height). Although 2023 World Health Organisation guidelines on their care did not aim to identify optimal weight gain, they did mention 5-10 g/kg/day as a target, which is a change from prior guidelines that recommended 10-15 g/kg/day, when inpatient-only care was the norm. We aimed to inform future policy/programming on weight gain targets.

Methods

For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched Embase, Global Health and Medline. The final search was on 23/02/2024. Papers were included if they reported weight gain of children aged 6-59 months with severe malnutrition during inpatient (facility-based), outpatient (home-based), and hybrid treatment (initially inpatient and progressing to outpatient treatment). Summary data were extracted, and quality was assessed using a NICE Quality Appraisal Checklist. Our primary outcome was mean rate of weight gain (g/kg/day) during treatment. We conducted random-effects meta-analysis to describe pooled mean weight gain by programme type. Meta-regression investigated potential associations of weight gain with length of stay and programme outcomes. We registered the study on PROSPERO (CRD42023266472).

Findings

Our search yielded 3173 papers. We reviewed 321 full texts, identifying 126 eligible papers. Of these, 104 papers, including some 240,650 participants, reported weight gain as g/kg/day and were eligible for meta-analysis. Mean rate of weight gain was 8.8 g/kg/day (95% CI: 7.6, 9.9; I2 = 97.8%) across 18 inpatient programmes, 3.4 g/kg/day (95% CI: 2.0, 4.7; I2 = 99.4%) across 12 hybrid programmes, and 3.9 g/kg/day (95% CI: 3.4, 4.4; I2 = 99.7%) across 60 outpatient programmes. We found inconsistent evidence of an association between slower weight gain and higher mortality: there was weak evidence of association after adjusting for programme type (coefficient = -0.4; 95% CI: -0.7, -0.02; p = 0.04; n = 118 programmes). There was high heterogeneity between studies. Details of weight gain calculation methods varied. We found no evidence for publication bias when accounting for programme type (Egger's test p-value = 0.2).

Interpretation

Weight gain in outpatient programmes was markedly slower than in inpatient treatment. Clearer reporting of weight gain and a better understanding of the sequelae of faster/slower recovery is important to set future weight gain targets. Our results set an important baseline for current programmes to benchmark against.

Funding

Medical Research Council/Global Challenges Research Fund, grant number: MR/V000802/1.

Re-thinking "non-response" to wasting treatment: Exploratory analysis from 14 studies

Children who receive therapeutic feeding for wasting treatment but do not reach the anthropometric definitions of recovery (usually within 12-16 weeks) are categorised as 'non-responders' and considered as treatment failures. We conducted a pooled analysis to explore the growth trajectories of non-responders and the appropriateness of the definition of 'non-response'. We pooled 14 studies of children aged 6-59 months receiving treatment for wasting. We included children classified by their studies as recovered or as non-responders. Observing the pooled data of non-responders' mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), weight, weight-for-age z-score, weight-for-height z-score and daily weight gain rate, we found that the first quartile differentiated those who did not grow at all versus those that demonstrated some growth. We therefore defined 'low growth non-responders' as < 25th percentile anthropometric gain between admission and exit using the non-responders' pooled study data, and 'high growth non-responders' as ≥ 25th percentile gain. We plotted the growth trajectories of MUAC-, weight- and height-related indices of the recovered, high growth and low growth non-responder groups over time using mixed effects generalised additive models. We compared age, sex and anthropometric characteristics of the three groups and explored predictors of non-response category using a multivariate multinomial logistic regression model. For all outcomes, the high growth non-responders started with a worse anthropometric status compared to those who recovered, but then tracked along a near-parallel growth trajectory. The low growth non-responders showed limited growth throughout treatment. High growth non-responders are better viewed as 'delayed responders' and may need to be kept longer under treatment to recover and reduce the risks from early discharge. Low growth non-responders are the true treatment failures and should be referred for further investigations as quickly as possible. In conclusion, non-responders are not a homogenous group; ~75% of them respond well to treatment and ~25% are treatment failures.

Effect of fatty acid profiles in varying recipes of ready-to-use therapeutic foods on neurodevelopmental and clinical outcomes of children (6-59 months) with severe wasting: a systematic review

CONTEXT

In 2020, 13.6 million children under 5 years suffered from severe acute malnutrition (SAM)/wasting. Standard ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTFs) improve polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) status but contain suboptimal amounts of omega-3 (n-3) PUFAs with unbalanced n-6-to-n-3 PUFA ratios.

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to compare the effects of RUTFs with different essential fatty acid contents on PUFA status, neurodevelopmental, and clinical outcomes (mortality, comorbidities, and recovery) of children with severe wasting.

DATA SOURCES

Twelve databases, trial repositories, and article references with no publication limitations.

DATA EXTRACTION

Ten studies from randomized, quasi, and cluster-randomized controlled trials providing RUTFs as home treatment to children 6-59 months with SAM/wasting were included.

DATA ANALYSIS

Plasma phospholipid eicosapentaenoic acid content was higher in children receiving RUTF with altered essential fatty acid contents compared with standard RUTF (0.20 [0.15-0.25], P < 0.00001). Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) status only improved in children receiving RUTF with added fish oil (0.33 [0.15-0.50], P = 0.0003). The Malawi Developmental Assessment tool (MDAT) global development and problem-solving assessment scores were higher in global assessment and gross motor domains in children receiving added fish oil compared with standard formulation (0.19 [0.0-0.38] and 0.29 [0.03-0.55], respectively). Children receiving high-oleic-acid RUTF (lowering the n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio of the RUTF) with or without fish oil had significantly higher scores in social domains compared with those receiving the standard formulation (0.16 [0.00-0.31] and 0.24 [0.09-0.40]). Significantly higher mortality risk was found in children receiving a standard formulation compared with RUTF with a lower n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio (0.79 [0.67-0.94], P = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

Although lowering n-6:n-3 PUFA ratios did not increase plasma DHA, it improved specific neurodevelopmental scores and mortality due to lower linoleic acid (high-oleic-acid peanuts), higher alpha-linolenic acid (altered oil), or both. Additional preformed n-3 long-chain PUFAs (fish oil) with RUTF improved the children's DHA status, neurodevelopmental outcomes, and weight-for-height z score. More research is needed regarding cost, availability, stability, acceptability, and the appropriate amount of n-3 long-chain PUFAs required in RUTFs for the best clinical outcomes.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration no. CRD42022303694.

The relationship between energy provided and growth during severe wasting treatment

Treatment of severe acute malnutrition aims at producing quick catch-up growth in children to decrease their short-term mortality risk. The extent to which catch-up growth is influenced by the amount of energy provided is unclear. This study assessed whether energy provided at admission is associated with catch-up ponderal growth among children with mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) < 115 mm at admission. We conducted a secondary data analysis an operational cohort in Mali. The children were treated with a simplified protocol providing 1000 kcal/day of therapeutic food until MUAC ≥ 115 mm was achieved for two consecutive weeks and 500 kcal/day thereafter until discharge with MUAC ≥ 125 mm for two consecutive weeks. Linear mixed-effects regression models were fitted to assess the relationship between energy provided at admission (kcal/kg/day) with weight gain velocity (g/kg/day) (primary outcome), change in MUAC -for-age z-score and change in weight-for-age z-score. Unadjusted models and models adjusted for sex, age, seasonality and MUAC at admission were fitted. Both models included the study site as a random effect. A 10 kcal/kg/day increase in energy provided at admission was associated with increments in all outcomes; for weight gain velocity, the mean (95% CI) increment was 0.340 [0.326, 0.354] g/kg/day and 0.466 [0.446, 0.485] g/kg/day in the unadjusted and adjusted analysis, respectively. A positive relationship exists between energy provided at admission and catch-up ponderal growth in children with MUAC < 115 mm treated using a simplified protocol. Determining the ideal weight gain rate remains essential for assessing the benefits and risks of increased energy intake during treatment.

Legume-supplemented feed for children hospitalised with severe malnutrition: a phase II trial

Children hospitalised with severe malnutrition have high mortality and readmission rates post-discharge. Current milk-based formulations target restoring ponderal growth but not the modification of gut barrier integrity or microbiome which increases the risk of gram-negative sepsis and poor outcomes. We propose that legume-based feeds rich in fermentable carbohydrates will promote better gut health and improve overall outcomes. We conducted an open-label phase II trial at Mbale and Soroti Regional Referral Hospitals, Uganda, involving 160 children aged 6 months to 5 years with severe malnutrition (mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) < 11·5 cm and/or nutritional oedema). Children were randomised to a lactose-free, chickpea-enriched legume paste feed (LF) (n 80) v. WHO standard F75/F100 feeds (n 80). Co-primary outcomes were change in MUAC and mortality to day 90. Secondary outcomes included weight gain (> 5 g/kg/d), de novo development of diarrhoea, time to diarrhoea and oedema resolution. Day 90 MUAC increase was marginally lower in LF v. WHO arm (1·1 cm (interquartile range (IQR) 1·1) v. 1·4 cm (IQR 1·40), P = 0·09); day 90 mortality was similar (11/80 (13·8 %) v. 12/80 (15 %), respectively, OR 0·91 (95 % CI 0·40, 2·07), P = 0·83). There were no differences in any of the other secondary outcomes. Owing to initial poor palatability of the LF, ten children switched to WHO feeds. Per-protocol analysis indicated a trend to lower day 90 mortality and readmission rates in the LF (6/60 (10 %) and 2/60(3 %)) v. WHO feeds (12/71(17·5 %) and 4/71(6 %)). Further refinement of LF and clinical trials are warranted, given the poor outcomes in children with severe malnutrition.

Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of acute malnutrition among under-5 children attending a rural hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a cross-sectional study

Background

Malnutrition, a public health problem in a low-income country such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), is a major killer among children under 5 who are most at risk of acute malnutrition. This study aims to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of acute malnutrition in children under 5 years old.

Methods

The authors conducted a retrospective and descriptive cross-sectional study on children under 5 with acute malnutrition from April 2022 to April 2023. A total of 287 malnourished children were consulted, hospitalized in a rural hospital, and registered for participation in this study.

Results

Two hundred eighty-seven (25%) children were victims of acute malnutrition. The age group between 13 and 24 months is the most affected by acute malnutrition with 30%. The male-to-female(M/F) sex ratio was 1.17. Kwashiorkor is the most common form of acute malnutrition with 171 (59.6%) cases. Abdominal bloating, weight loss as well as diarrhea and vomiting were the more frequent clinical signs. Shock is the most complication of acute malnutrition. Therapeutic milk (Food 75 and Food 100) was the most effective in management. Twenty-nine (10.1%) other children died from acute malnutrition and 258 (89.9%) children progressed to full recovery.

Conclusion

Acute malnutrition in children remains a public health problem worldwide and particularly in low-income countries such as DR Congo. It is associated with multiple physiological vulnerabilities and has many short- and long-term complications in children who have suffered from it.

Cereal-based fermented foods as microbiota-directed products for improved child nutrition and health in sub-Saharan Africa

Several strategies, programs and policies have long been developed and implemented to alleviate child malnutrition in sub-Saharan African countries. However, stunting and wasting still persist at an alarming rate, suggesting that alternative strategies are needed to induce faster progress toward the 2030 SDGs targets of reducing malnutrition. Gut microbiota-directed intervention is now being recognized as an unconventional powerful approach to mitigate malnutrition and improve overall child health. In an African setting, manufactured probiotic and synbiotic foods or supplements may not be successful owing to the non-affordability and high attachment of African populations to their food tradition. This review analyses the potential of indigenous fermented cereal-based products including porridges, doughs, beverages, bread- and yoghurt-like products, to be used as microbiota-directed foods for over 6 months children. The discussion includes relevant strategies to effectively enhance the beneficial effects of these products on gut microbiota composition for improved child health and nutrition in sub-Saharan Africa. Characterization of probiotic features and general safety of food processing in sub-Saharan Africa as well as randomized clinical studies are still lacking to fully ascertain the health effects and suitability of these fermented foods in preventing and treating child malnutrition and diarrhea.

Ready-to-use therapeutic/supplementary foods from local food resources: Technology accessibility, program effectiveness, and sustainability, a review

Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) or Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food (RUSF) has been widely used in home-based treatment for severely and moderately acute malnourished children. These programs showed positive results in short term nutritional recovery in children, which were reported in some research settings. Nowadays, the RUTF/RUSF formulation has been improved using a variety of RUTF/RUSF from locally available food ingredients. This paper aims to review the essential aspects of the development and provision of RUTF/RUSF made from local food resources and monitor program effectiveness that warrants the program's sustainability. The modified recipes of RUTF/RUSF were developed following the international dietary guidelines for the rehabilitation of severely and moderately acute malnourished children. The local production of RUTF/RUSF provided some benefits that include empowering the local community, consideration of the common eating pattern, promoting the diversification of food consumption, strengthening food security, as well as supporting the sustainability of RUTF/RUSF production. Results of the PRISMA-based systematic literature review revealed various ingredient developments and processing techniques which could improve the product characteristics and sensory evaluation. RUTF/RUSF in local food production provided different food carriers (e.g., biscuits, wafers) and seemed to be more readily accepted by the children. Furthermore, the program sustainability of RUTF/RUSF depends on a continuous ingredients supply and support from the local government. The findings presented the importance of development of such food supplements based on the local food resources and with improved technology for prevention and rehabilitation of malnourished children.

Severe Acute Malnutrition: The Potential of Non-Peanut, Non-Milk Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review provides information on the prospect and effectiveness of ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTFs) produced locally without the addition of milk and peanut.

RECENT FINDINGS

The foods used in fighting malnutrition in the past decades contributed little to the success of the alleviation program due to their non-effectiveness. Hence, RUTFs are introduced to fight malnutrition. The peanut allergies, the high cost of milk, and the high production cost of peanut RUTF have made its distribution, treatment spread, and accessibility very slow, especially in areas where it is highly needed. There is a need, therefore, for a low-cost RUTF that is acceptable and effective in treating severe acute malnutrition among under-5 children. This review shows both the success and failure of reported studies on the use of non-peanut and non-milk RUTF, including their cost of production as compared to the standard milk and peanut-based RUTF. It was hypothesised that replacing the milk ingredient component with legumes like soybeans can reduce the cost of production of RUTFs while also delivering an effective product in managing and treating severe acute malnutrition (SAM). Consumers generally accept them better because of their familiarity with the raw materials.

How do children with severe underweight and wasting respond to treatment? A pooled secondary data analysis to inform future intervention studies

Children with weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) <-3 have a high risk of death, yet this indicator is not widely used in nutrition treatment programming. This pooled secondary data analysis of children aged 6-59 months aimed to examine the prevalence, treatment outcomes, and growth trajectories of children with WAZ <-3 versus children with WAZ ≥-3 receiving outpatient treatment for wasting and/or nutritional oedema, to inform future protocols. Binary treatment outcomes between WAZ <-3 and WAZ ≥-3 admissions were compared using logistic regression. Recovery was defined as attaining mid-upper-arm circumference ≥12.5 cm and weight-for-height z-score ≥-2, without oedema, within a period of 17 weeks of admission. Data from 24,829 children from 9 countries drawn from 13 datasets were included. 55% of wasted children had WAZ <-3. Children admitted with WAZ <-3 compared to those with WAZ ≥-3 had lower recovery rates (28.3% vs. 48.7%), higher risk of death (1.8% vs. 0.7%), and higher risk of transfer to inpatient care (6.2% vs. 3.8%). Growth trajectories showed that children with WAZ <-3 had markedly lower anthropometry at the start and end of care, however, their patterns of anthropometric gains were very similar to those with WAZ ≥-3. If moderately wasted children with WAZ <-3 were treated in therapeutic programmes alongside severely wasted children, we estimate caseloads would increase by 32%. Our findings suggest that wasted children with WAZ <-3 are an especially vulnerable group and those with moderate wasting and WAZ <-3 likely require a higher intensity of nutritional support than is currently recommended. Longer or improved treatment may be necessary, and the timeline and definition of recovery likely need review.

Increased vs. Standard Dose of Iron in Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods for the Treatment of Severe Acute Malnutrition in a Community Setting: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The optimal dose of iron in ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF) used to treat uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in community settings is not well established. The objective of this systematic review was to assess if an increased iron dose in RUTF, compared with the standard iron dose in the World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended peanut-based RUTF, improved outcomes in children aged six months or older. We searched multiple electronic databases and only included randomized controlled trials. We pooled the data in a meta-analysis to obtain relative risk (RR) and reported it with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Three studies, one each from Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Malawi, were included. In all studies, the RUTF used in the intervention group was milk-free soya–maize–sorghum-based RUTF. The pooled results showed that, compared to the control group, a high iron content in RUTF may lead to increase in hemoglobin concentration (mean difference 0.33 g/dL, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.64, two studies, certainty of evidence: low) and a decrease in any anemia (RR 0.66, 95% CI: 0.48, 0.91, two studies, certainty of evidence: low), but also decrease recovery rates (RR 0.91, 95% CI: 0.84, 0.99, three studies, certainty of evidence: low) and increase mortality (RR 1.30, 95% CI: 0.87, 1.95, three studies, certainty of evidence: moderate). However, the CIs were imprecise for the latter outcome. Future studies with large sample sizes are needed to confirm the beneficial versus harmful effects of high iron content in RUTF in treating uncomplicated SAM in children aged 6-59 months in community settings.

Eco-geographic patterns of child malnutrition in India and its association with cereal cultivation: An analysis using demographic health survey and agriculture datasets

Background: High prevalence of maternal malnutrition, low birth-weight and child malnutrition in India contribute substantially to the global malnutrition burden. Rural India has disproportionately higher levels of child malnutrition. Stunting and wasting are the primary determinants of child malnutrition and their district-level distribution shows clustering in different geographies and regions. Cereals, particularly millets, constitute the bulk of protein intake among the poor, especially in rural areas in India where high prevalence of wasting persists. Methods: The previous round of National Family Health Survey (NFHS4) has disaggregated data by district, enabling a more fine-scale characterisation of the prevalence of markers of malnutrition. We used data from NFHS4 and agricultural statistics datasets to analyse relationship of prevalence of malnutrition at the district level and area under cereal cultivation. We analysed malnutrition through data on under-5 stunting and wasting by district.  Results: Stunting and wasting patterns across districts show a distinct geographical and age distribution; districts with higher wasting showed relatively higher prevalence at six months of age. Wasting prevalence at district level was associated with higher cultivation of millets, with a stronger association seen for jowar and other millets (Kodo millet, little millet, proso millet, barnyard millet and foxtail millet). District level stunting was associated with higher district level cultivation of wheat. In multivariable analysis, wasting was positively associated with women's body mass index and stunting with women's short stature. Conclusions: Well-designed intervention studies will be required to confirm causal pathways contributing to ecogeographic patterns of child malnutrition. The cultivation of other millets has a strong association with prevalence of wasting. State-of-the-art studies that improve our understanding of bio-availability of amino acids and other nutrients from the prevalent dietary matrices of rural poor communities will be needed to confirm causal pathways contributing to potential eco-geographic patterns.

Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) Containing Low or No Dairy Compared to Standard RUTF for Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) containing less dairy may be a lower-cost treatment option for severe acute malnutrition (SAM). The objective was to understand the effectiveness of RUTF containing alternative sources of protein (nondairy), or <50% of protein from dairy products, compared with standard RUTF in children with SAM. The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched using terms relating to RUTF. Studies were eligible if they included children with SAM and evaluated RUTF with <50% of protein from dairy products compared with standard RUTF. Meta-analysis and meta-regression were completed to assess the effectiveness of intervention RUTF on a range of child outcomes. The quality of the evidence across outcomes was assessed using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach. A total of 5868 studies were identified, of which 8 articles of 6 studies met the inclusion criteria evaluating 7 different intervention RUTF recipes. Nondairy or lower-dairy RUTF showed less weight gain (standardized mean difference: -0.20; 95% CI: -0.26, -0.15; P < 0.001), lower recovery (relative risk ratio: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.87, 1.00; P = 0.046), and lower weight-for-age z scores (WAZ) near program discharge (mean difference: -0.10; 95% CI: -0.20, 0.0; P = 0.047). Mortality, time to recovery, default (consecutive absences from outpatient therapeutic feeding program visits), nonresponse, and other anthropometric measures did not differ between groups. The certainty of evidence was high for weight gain and ranged from very low to moderate for other outcomes. RUTF with lower protein from dairy or dairy-free RUTF may not be as effective as standard RUTF for treatment of children with SAM based on weight gain, recovery, and WAZ evaluated using meta-analysis, although further research is required to explore the potential of alternative formulations. This review was registered at https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ as CRD42020160762.

Eco-geographic patterns of child malnutrition in India and its association with cereal cultivation: An analysis using demographic health survey and agriculture datasets

Background: High prevalence of maternal malnutrition, low birth-weight and child malnutrition in India contribute substantially to the global malnutrition burden. Rural India has disproportionately higher levels of child malnutrition. Stunting and wasting are the primary determinants of child malnutrition and their district-level distribution shows clustering in different geographies and regions. Cereals, particularly millets, constitute the bulk of protein intake among the poor, especially in rural areas in India where high prevalence of wasting persists. Methods: The last round of National Family Health Survey (NFHS4) has disaggregated data by district, enabling a more fine-scale characterisation of the prevalence of markers of malnutrition. We used data from NFHS4 and agricultural statistics datasets to analyse relationship of prevalence of malnutrition at the district level and area under cereal cultivation. We analysed malnutrition through data on under-5 stunting and wasting by district.  Results: Stunting and wasting patterns across districts show a distinct geographical and age distribution; districts with higher wasting showed relatively higher prevalence before six months of age. Wasting prevalence at district level was associated with higher cultivation of millets, with a stronger association seen for jowar and other millets (Kodo millet, little millet, proso millet, barnyard millet and foxtail millet). District level stunting was associated with higher district level cultivation of all crops (except other millets). The analysis was limited by lack of fine-scale data on prevalence of low birth-weight and type of cereal consumed. Conclusions: Better cereal cultivation and consumption data will be needed to confirm causal pathways contributing to potential ecogeographic patterns. The cultivation of other millets has a strong association with prevalence of wasting. State-of-the-art studies that improve our understanding of bio-availability of amino acids and other nutrients from the prevalent dietary matrices of rural poor communities will be needed to confirm causal pathways contributing to potential eco-geographic patterns.

Amino acid-enriched plant-based RUTF treatment was not inferior to peanut-milk RUTF treatment in restoring plasma amino acid levels among patients with oedematous or non-oedematous malnutrition

Ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) with adequate quality protein is used to treat children with oedematous and non-oedematous severe acute malnutrition (SAM). The plasma amino acid (AA) profile reflects the protein nutritional status; hence, its assessment during SAM treatment is useful in evaluating AA delivery from RUTFs. The objective was to evaluate the plasma AAs during the treatment of oedematous and non-oedematous SAM in community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) using amino acid-enriched plant-based RUTFs with 10% milk (MSMS-RUTF) or without milk (FSMS-RUTF) compared to peanut milk RUTF (PM-RUTF). Plasma AA was measured in a non-blinded, 3-arm, parallel-group, simple randomized controlled trial conducted in Malawi. The RUTFs used for SAM were FSMS-RUTF, MSMS-RUTF or PM-RUTF. A non-inferiority hypothesis was tested to compare plasma AA levels from patients treated with FSMS-RUTF or MSMS-RUTF with those from patients treated with PM-RUTF at discharge. For both types of SAM, FSMS-RUTF and MSMS-RUTF treatments were non-inferior to the PM-RUTF treatment in restoration of the EAA and cystine except that for FSMS-RUTF, methionine and tryptophan partially satisfied the non-inferiority criteria in the oedematous group. Amino-acid-enriched milk-free plant-source-protein RUTF has the potential to restore all the EAA, but it is possible that enrichment with amino acids may require more methionine and tryptophan for oedematous children.

Postdischarge interventions for children hospitalized with severe acute malnutrition: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Children hospitalized with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) have poor long-term outcomes following discharge, with high rates of mortality, morbidity, and impaired neurodevelopment. There is currently minimal guidance on how to support children with SAM following discharge from inpatient treatment.

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine whether postdischarge interventions can improve outcomes in children recovering from complicated SAM.

METHODS

Systematic searches of 4 databases were undertaken to identify studies of interventions delivered completely or partially after hospital discharge in children aged 6-59 mo, following inpatient treatment of SAM. The main outcome of interest was mortality. Random-effects meta-analysis was undertaken where ≥2 studies were sufficiently similar in intervention and outcome.

RESULTS

Ten studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, recruiting 39-1781 participants in 7 countries between 1975 and 2015. Studies evaluated provision of zinc (2 studies), probiotics or synbiotics (2 studies), antibiotics (1 study), pancreatic enzymes (1 study), and psychosocial stimulation (4 studies). Six studies had unclear or high risk of bias in ≥2 domains. Compared with standard care, pancreatic enzyme supplementation reduced inpatient mortality (37.8% compared with 18.6%, P < 0.05). In meta-analysis there was some evidence that prebiotics or synbiotics reduced mortality (RR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.51, 1.00; P = 0.049). Psychosocial stimulation reduced mortality in meta-analysis of the 2 trials reporting deaths (RR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.87), and improved neurodevelopmental scores in ≥1 domain in all studies. There was no evidence that zinc reduced mortality in the single study reporting deaths. Antibiotics reduced infectious morbidity but did not reduce mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Several biological and psychosocial interventions show promise in improving outcomes in children following hospitalization for SAM and require further exploration in larger randomized mortality trials. This study was registered with PROSPERO as CRD42018111342 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=111342).

Report of a Pilot Program Using a Milk-Free Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food Made From Soya, Maize, and Sorghum to Treat Severe Acute Malnutrition

BACKGROUND

Globally, ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) with peanut and milk as the primary source of protein is used to treat children having severe acute malnutrition (SAM). Valid Nutrition in collaboration with Ajinomoto Co., Inc has developed a nonmilk RUTF from soybean, maize, and sorghum (SMS-RUTF) and demonstrated its efficacy.

OBJECTIVE

To pilot SMS-RUTF in treatment of SAM within Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) program in Malawi, Africa.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

This was implemented from January to July 2018 and its performance was based on the SPHERE criteria and Ministry of Health CMAM guidelines. A total of 742 children were treated with SMS-RUTF. Of these, 94.5% (95% CI: 92.6-96.0) were successfully discharged to supplementary feeding program (SFP) with middle upper arm circumference (MUAC) ≥115 mm or directly to their homes with MUAC ≥125 mm; 3.6% (95% CI: 2.4-5.3) defaulted, 1.9 % (95% CI: 1.0-2.1) died, and 0.0% nonresponders. Analysis of 222 children who were discharged home with MUAC ≥125 mm gave a recovery rate of 88.3% (95% CI: 88.3-92.2), a defaulter rate of 6.8 % (95% CI: 3.8-10.9), a mortality rate of 1.3% (95% CI: 0.3-3.9), and a nonresponders rate of 1.8% (95% CI: 0.5-4.5). These outcomes exceed SPHERE minimum performance standards. The mean (standard deviation) length of stay of children discharged to SFP and discharged directly home were 42.0 (20.9) and 46.1 (21.1) days, respectively. These outcomes are within the recommended average duration of <60 days.

CONCLUSION

The pilot CMAM program using SMS-RUTF recipe that contains no milk or peanuts achieved SPHERE minimum standards. Based on this evidence, SMS-RUTF should be encouraged for treatment of SAM in children between 6 and 59 months in routine CMAM programs in Malawi and globally.

Does cereal, protein and micronutrient availability hold the key to the malnutrition conundrum? An exploratory analysis of cereal cultivation and wasting patterns of India

Background: High prevalence of maternal malnutrition, low birth-weight and child malnutrition in India contribute substantially to the global malnutrition burden. Rural India has disproportionately higher levels of child malnutrition. Stunting and wasting are the primary determinants of child malnutrition and their district-level distribution shows clustering in different geographies and regions. Methods: The last round of National Family Health Survey (NFHS4) has disaggregated data by district, enabling a more nuanced understanding of the prevalence of markers of malnutrition. We used data from NFHS4 and agricultural statistics datasets to analyse relationship of area under cereal cultivation with the prevalence of malnutrition at the district level. We analysed malnutrition through data on under-5 stunting and wasting; maternal malnutrition was assessed through prevalence of women's low BMI and short stature by district.  Results: Stunting and wasting patterns across districts show a distinct geographical and age distribution; districts with higher wasting showed relatively high prevalence of 40% before six months of age. Wasting was associated with higher cultivation of millets, with a stronger association seen for jowar and other millets (Kodo millet, little millet, proso millet, barnyard millet and foxtail millet). Stunting was associated with cultivation of all crops except other millets. Low women's BMI was seen associated with cultivation of rice and millets. The analysis was limited by lack of fine-scale data on prevalence of low birth-weight and type of cereal consumed. Conclusions: Multi-site observational studies of long-term effects of type of cereals consumed could help explain the ecogeographic distribution of malnutrition in India. Cereals, particularly millets constitute the bulk of protein intake among the poor, especially in rural areas in India where high prevalence of  wasting persists.

Severe acute malnutrition in children admitted in an Intensive Therapeutic and Feeding Centre of South Kivu, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo: Why do our patients die?

BACKGROUND

Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) remains a serious public health concern in low- and middle-income countries. Little is known about treatment outcomes of child inpatients in Intensive Therapeutic and Feeding Units. This study aimed to assess treatment outcomes of SAM and identify factors associated with mortality among children treated at Saint Joseph Nutritional Center, South Kivu, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

METHODS

A retrospective hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on medical records of 633 severely malnourished children followed as inpatients at Saint Joseph Nutritional Center from July 2017 to December 2018. Data were entered, thoroughly cleaned and analyzed in SPSS version 25. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression model were fitted to identify factors associated with mortality.

RESULTS

Among 633 patients admitted with SAM, 13.1% were lost to follow-up and 9.2% died while in hospital. Children with late referral to the health facility (> 14 days) after the onset of main external malnutrition signs had 2.03 times higher odds of death than those referred less than 14 days [AOR = 2.03 at 95%CI (1.12, 3.68)]. The odds of death was 1.91 times higher for children with MUAC < 115 mm than for those with MUAC ≥ 115 mm [AOR = 1.91 at 95% CI (1.05, 3.50)]. Children infected with HIV were 3.90 times more likely to die compared to their counterparts [AOR = 3.90 at 95% CI (2.80, 9.41)].

CONCLUSION

Particular emphasis should be placed on partnering with communities to improve information on malnutrition signs and on critical importance of early referral to the health system. While HIV incidence in DRC is still low (0.21%), its impact on mortality among severely malnourished children is increased due to the limited access to HIV testing and antiretroviral therapy.

Does cereal, protein and micronutrient availability hold the key to the malnutrition conundrum? An exploratory analysis of cereal cultivation and wasting patterns of India

Background: High prevalence of maternal malnutrition, low birth-weight and child malnutrition in India contribute substantially to the global malnutrition burden. Rural India has disproportionately higher levels of child malnutrition. Stunting and wasting are the primary determinants of malnutrition and their district-level distribution shows clustering in different geographies and regions. Methods: The last round of National Family Health Survey (NFHS4) has disaggregated data by district, enabling a more nuanced understanding of the prevalence of markers of malnutrition. We used data from NFHS4 and agricultural statistics datasets to analyse relationship of cereal cultivation with the prevalence of child malnutrition. We studied the current science on growth-related nutrient-sensing pathways to explain this pattern.  Results: Stunting and wasting patterns across districts show a distinct geographical and age distribution; districts with higher wasting showed early prevalence of 40% at six months of age. Wasting was associated with higher cultivation of millets, with a stronger association seen for jowar and other millets. Low maternal BMI in districts with higher wasting could be linked to the consumption of millets as staple. We conceptualised a hypothetical schematic pathway linking early origin of wasting in children with millet-based diet, driven by inhibition of critical intra-cellular pathways controlling growth covering pre-natal, post-natal and early childhood. The analysis was limited by lack of fine-scale data on prevalence of low birth-weight and type of cereal consumed. Conclusions: Multi-site observational studies of long-term effects of type of cereals consumed could help explain the ecogeographic distribution of malnutrition in India. Cereals, particularly millets constitute the bulk of protein intake among the poor, especially in rural areas in India where wasting persists. Policies and programs targeting malnutrition need to address type of cereal consumed in order to impact childhood malnutrition in parts of India where subsistence cultivation of millets for staple consumption is prevalent.

Effectiveness of interventions to manage acute malnutrition in children under 5 years of age in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review

Background

Childhood malnutrition is a major public health concern as it is associated with significant short- and long-term morbidity and mortality.

Objectives

To comprehensively review the evidence for the management of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) according to the current World Health Organization protocol using facility- and community-based approaches as well as the effectiveness of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF), ready-to-use supplementary food (RUSF), prophylactic antibiotic use and vitamin A supplementation.

Search methods

We searched relevant electronic databases till 11 February 2019. No date or language restrictions were applied.

Selection criteria

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies including controlled before-after (CBA) studies and interrupted time series (ITS) studies.

Data collection and analysis

Two review authors independently screened studies for relevance, extracted data, assessed risk of bias and rated the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach. We carried out statistical analysis using Review Manager software and set out the main findings of the review in "Summary of findings" tables.

Main results

This review summarises findings from a total of 42 studies (48 papers) including 35,017 children. Thirty-three of the included studies were RCTs; six studies were quasi-experimental and three studies were cost studies. Majority of the studies were judged to be at high risk of bias for blinding of the participants, personnel and outcome assessment. Majority of the outcomes were rated as either moderate or low quality. Outcomes were downgraded mainly due to study limitations, high heterogeneity, imprecision and small sample size. Community-based strategies to screen and manage SAM/MAM versus no community-based strategies (two studies): Integrated community-based management probably improves recovery rate by 4% [risk ratio (RR): 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00 to 1.09; one study; 1,957 participants; moderate-quality outcome], and reduces weight gain by 0.8 g·kg^-1·day^-1 [mean difference (MD): -0.80 g·kg^-1·day^-1; 95% CI: -0.82 to -0.78; one study; 1,957 participants; moderate-quality outcome] compared with no community-based strategies, while mortality was similar between the two groups (RR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.60 to 1.45; one study; 1,957 participants; moderate-quality outcome). Facility-based strategies to screen and manage uncomplicated SAM versus other standard of care (four studies): There was no evidence of effect on recovery (RR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.80, 1.25; one study; 60 participants; very-low-quality evidence) and mortality (RR: 1.21; 95% CI: 0.75 to 1.94; two studies; 473 participants; low-quality outcome). Facility-based management with RUTF versus F100 ("catch-up" formula to rebuild wasted tissues containing 100 kcal and 2.9 g protein per 100 ml) for SAM (three studies): There was no evidence of effect on weight gain (MD: 2 g·kg^-1·day^-1; 95% CI: -0.23 to 4.23; three studies; 266 participants; very-low-quality outcome) and mortality (RR: 1.20; 95% CI: 0.34 to 4.22; two studies; 168 participants; low-quality outcome). Community-based management of SAM with standard RUTF compared with other foods (14 studies): There was no evidence of effect on recovery rate when standard RUTF was compared to non-milk/peanut butter-based RUTF (RR: 1.03; 95% CI: 0.99 to 1.08; five studies; 5743 participants; I² 50%; moderate quality outcome), energy-dense, home-prepared food (RR: 1.14; 95% CI 0.95 to 1.36; four studies; 959 participants; I² 75%; low quality outcome), or high oleic RUTF (RR: 1.06; 95% CI: 0.85 to 1.31; one study; 141 participants; moderate quality outcome). Standard RUTF may improve weight gain by 0.5 g·kg^-1·day^-1 (MD: 0.5 g·kg^-1·day^-1; 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.99; three studies; 3,069 participants; low-quality outcome) when compared with non-milk/peanut butter-based RUTF and by 5.5 g·kg^-1·day^-1 when compared with F100 (MD: 5.50 g·kg^-1·day^-1; 95% CI: 2.92 to 8.08; one study; 70 participants; low-quality outcome). There was no evidence of effect on mortality when standard RUTF was compared with other foods (RR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.69 to 1.41; nine studies; 7,667 participants; low-quality outcome). RUSF for MAM compared with other foods (14 studies): There was no evidence of effect on recovery rate when standard RUSF was compared with local/home made food (RR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.64 to 1.33; three studies; 435 participants; low-quality outcome) and whey RUSF (RR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.92 to 1.00; one study; 2230 participants; high-quality outcome); while standard RUSF may improve recovery by 7% when compared with corn-soy blend (CSB) (RR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.13; six studies; 5,744 participants; low-quality outcome). There was no evidence of effect on weight gain when standard RUSF was compared with local home made food (MD: -0.75 g·kg^-1·day^-1; 95% CI: -2.03 to 0.43; one study; 73 participants; low-quality outcome) and whey RUSF (MD: -0.16 g·kg^-1·day^-1; 95% CI: -0.33 to 0.01; one study; 2,230 participants; high-quality outcome); while standard RUSF may improve weight gain by 0.49 g·kg^-1·day^-1 when compared with CSB (MD: 0.49 g·kg^-1·day^-1; 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.87; five studies; 4,354 participants; low-quality outcome). There was no evidence of effect on mortality when standard RUSF was compared with other foods (RR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.57 to 1.68; eight studies; 8,310 participants; moderate-quality outcome). Prophylactic antibiotic versus no antibiotic (three studies): Prophylactic antibiotic therapy for uncomplicated SAM improves recovery rate by 6% (RR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.08; two studies; 5,166 participants; high-quality outcome), probably improves weight gain by 0.67 g·kg^-1·day^-1 (MD: 0.67 g·kg^-1·day^-1; 95% CI: 0.28, 1.06; two studies; 5,052 participants; moderate-quality outcome) and probably reduces mortality by 26% (RR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.55, 0.98; three studies; 6944 participants; moderate quality outcome) compared to no antibiotics group. High-dose vitamin A versus low-dose vitamin A (two studies): There was no evidence of effect on weight gain (MD: 0.05 g·kg^-1·day^-1; 95% CI: -0.08 to 0.18; one study; 207 participants; moderate-quality outcome) and mortality (RR: 7.07; 95% CI: 0.37 to 135.13; one study; 207 participants; moderate-quality outcome).

Authors’ conclusions

Limited data show some benefit of integrated community-based screening, identification and management of SAM and MAM on improving recovery. Facility-based screening and management of uncomplicated SAM has no benefit on recovery and mortality, while the effect of F100 for SAM is similar to RUTF for weight gain and mortality. Local food and whey RUSF have similar effects as standard RUSF on recovery rate and weight gain in MAM, while standard RUSF has additional benefits to CSB. Prophylactic antibiotic administration in uncomplicated SAM improves recovery rate, weight gain and reduces mortality, while limited data suggest that high-dose vitamin A supplementation is comparable with low-dose vitamin A supplementation for weight gain and mortality among children with SAM.

Sensory evaluation and volatile compounds of an alternative ready-to-use therapeutic food for malnourished children

Ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTFs) are special foods used to encourage rapid weight gain in 5-year-old malnourished children, avoiding hospitalization. The factors affecting sensory characteristics and acceptability of RUTFs have been not adequately described. The aim of this work was to evaluate both the sensory properties and volatile compounds of four alternative RUTFs, varying in soy and sorghum, icing sugar, and oil content. Nine nonoral sensory attributes were evaluated by nine selected and trained assessors. The perceived intensity of five oral sensory attributes and the overall liking were assessed by 100 adult consumers. The volatile compounds were extracted and concentrated by solid phase microextraction and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. RUTF formulations significantly differed for graininess between fingers (size of granules) (P = 0.007), viscosity (P = 0.013), adhesiveness to the spoon (P < 0.044), and meltability (P = 0.005), but in consumers' opinion, they differed only for difficulty in swallowing, intensity of global odor, flavor, and sweetness. A positive correlation between overall liking and sweetness was found. Volatile compounds arising from lipid oxidation (hexanal and octanoic acid) were positively correlated with global odor and flavor. These attributes negatively affected the overall liking and were mainly contained in one out of the four formulations. Sensory and instrumental characterization identified key attributes for this kind of food, such as difficulty in swallowing, global odor, and sweetness, suggesting how to formulate an alternative RUTF to be used for a future clinical trial on malnourished children. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Starting from the world's need to fight child malnutrition, the present study tried to characterize alternative ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTFs), special foods used to encourage rapid weight gain in 5-year-old malnourished children, from several points of view, such as acceptability, stability, technological, and overall quality. Results obtained will be an aid to setup the technological conditions and scale-up parameters for local productions of RUTFs to be tested in real trials on malnourished children. Indeed, key sensory attributes that drive consumer acceptance for this special food, such as sweetness and difficulty in swallowing, came out from the present study.

Development of a Natural Product Rich in Bioavailable Omega-3 DHA from Locally Available Ingredients for Prevention of Nutrition Related Mental Illnesses

Objectives: Poor mental health remains a serious public concern worldwide. The most vulnerable individuals are children and adolescents in developing countries. Nutritional deficiency of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), have long been recognized as a major contributing factor for mental health illnesses. Provision of ready-to-use natural product rich in preformed Omega-3 DHA and EPA could address this problem. However, most commonly used products are expensive and contain less or no preformed Omega-3 DHA and EPA, making them less suitable for prevention of mental illnesses in resource-poor countries. The main objective of this study was to develop a natural product rich in preformed Omega-3 DHA and EPA from locally available ingredients.Methods: Linear programing (LP) was used to formulate a natural product rich in preformed Omega-3 DHA and other essential nutrients using locally available ingredients other than fish and dairy products. Laboratory analysis was then performed to validate the nutritional value of the LP-formulation using standard analytical methods. The relative difference between the LP tool calculated values, and the laboratory-analyzed values were calculated. Sensory testing was also done to evaluate consumer acceptance of the final product.Results: Optimal formulation contained about 220 mg of preformed Omega-3 DHA + EPA, enough to meet the RDI for children aged 2-10 years. The LP analysis further showed that the cost of the developed product is USD 0.15/100 g, which is 50% lower than that of Plumpy'nut. Laboratory analysis revealed similar results as that of LP at P = 0.05.Conclusions: These findings indicate that ready-to-use natural food rich in preformed DHA and EPA can be developed from locally available ingredients.

Protein Quality Assessment of Follow-up Formula for Young Children and Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods: Recommendations by the FAO Expert Working Group in 2017

The FAO of the UN convened an Expert Working Group meeting to provide recommendations related to protein quality evaluation of Follow-up Formula for Young Children (FUF-YC) and Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTFs). The protein and amino acid (AA) scoring patterns for the target age groups were defined and recommendations provided on the use of currently available protein and indispensable AA digestibility data. For FUF-YC, an age category of 1-2.9 y was identified, and a matching protein requirement of 0.86 g · kg-1 · d-1 with corresponding AA requirements were recommended. For RUTF, the protein requirement recommended was 2.82 g · kg-1 · d-1, to achieve a catch-up weight gain of 10 g · kg-1 · d-1 in children recovering from severe acute malnutrition. The AA requirements were factorially derived based on the adult protein requirement for maintenance and tissue AA composition. A flowchart was proposed for the best available methods to estimate digestibility coefficients (of either protein or AAs), in the following order: human, growing pig, and rat true ileal AA digestibility values. Where this is not possible, fecal protein digestibility values should be used. The Expert Working Group recommends the use of the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS), with existing protein digestibility values, or the Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score provided that individual AA digestibility values are available for protein quality evaluation using the latter score. The Group also recommends the use of ileal digestibility of protein or of AAs for plant-based protein sources, recognizing the possible effects of antinutritional factors and impaired gut function. A PDCAAS score of ≥90% can be considered adequate for these formulations, whereas with a score <90%, the quantity of protein should be increased to meet the requirements. Regardless of the protein quality score, the ability of formulations to support growth in the target population should be evaluated. Future research recommendations are also proposed based on the knowledge gaps identified.

Effectiveness of Interventions for Managing Acute Malnutrition in Children under Five Years of Age in Low-Income and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Childhood malnutrition is a major public health concern, as it is associated with significant short- and long-term morbidity and mortality. The objective of this review was to comprehensively review the evidence for the management of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) according to the current World Health Organization (WHO) protocol using facility- and community-based approaches, as well as the effectiveness of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF), ready-to-use supplementary food (RUSF), prophylactic antibiotic use, and vitamin A supplementation. We searched relevant electronic databases until 11 February 2019, and performed a meta-analysis. This review summarizes findings from a total of 42 studies (48 papers), including 35,017 children. Limited data show some benefit of integrated community-based screening, identification, and management of SAM and MAM on improving recovery rate. Facility-based screening and management of uncomplicated SAM has no effect on recovery and mortality, while the effect of therapeutic milk F100 for SAM is comparable to RUTF for weight gain and mortality. Local food and whey RUSF are comparable to standard RUSF for recovery rate and weight gain in MAM, while standard RUSF has additional benefits to CSB. Prophylactic antibiotic administration in uncomplicated SAM improves recovery rate and probably improves weight gain and reduces mortality. Limited data suggest that high-dose vitamin A supplementation is comparable with low-dose vitamin A supplementation for weight gain and mortality among children with SAM.

Impact of reduced dose of ready-to-use therapeutic foods in children with uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition: A randomised non-inferiority trial in Burkina Faso

BACKGROUND

Children with uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition (SAM) are treated at home with ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTFs). The current RUTF dose is prescribed according to the weight of the child to fulfil 100% of their nutritional needs until discharge. However, there is doubt concerning the dose, as it seems to be shared, resulting in suboptimal cost-efficiency of SAM treatment. We investigated the efficacy of a reduced RUTF dose in community-based treatment of uncomplicated SAM.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

We undertook a randomised trial testing the non-inferiority of weight gain velocity of children with SAM receiving (a) a standard RUTF dose for two weeks, followed by a reduced dose thereafter (reduced), compared with (b) a standard RUTF dose throughout the treatment (standard). A mean difference of 0.0 g/kg/day was expected, with a non-inferiority margin fixed at -0.5 g/kg/day. Linear and logistic mixed regression analyses were performed, with study site and team as random effects. Between October 2016 and July 2018, 801 children with uncomplicated SAM aged 6-59 months were enrolled from 10 community health centres in Burkina Faso. At admission, the mean age (± standard deviation [SD]) was 13.4 months (±8.7), 49% were male, and the mean weight was 6.2 kg (±1.3). The mean weight gain velocity from admission to discharge was 3.4 g/kg/day and did not differ between study arms (Δ 0.0 g/kg/day; 95% CI -0.4 to 0.4; p = 0.92) confirming non-inferiority (p = 0.013). However, after two weeks, the weight gain velocity was significantly lower in the reduced dose with a mean of 2.3 g/kg/day compared with 2.7 g/kg/day in the standard dose (Δ -0.4 g/kg/day; 95% CI -0.8 to -0.02; p = 0.041). The length of stay (LoS) was not different (p = 0.73) between groups with a median of 56 days (interquartile range [IQR] 35-91) in both arms. No differences were found between reduced and standard arm in recovery (52.7% and 55.4%; p = 0.45), referral (19.2% and 20.1%; p = 0.80), defaulter (12.2% and 8.5%; p = 0.088), non-response (12.7% and 12.5%; p = 0.95), and relapse (2.4% and 1.8%; p = 0.69) rates, respectively. However, the reduced RUTF dose had a small 0.2 mm/week (95% CI 0.04 to 0.4; p = 0.015) negative effect on height gain velocity with a mean height gain of 2.6 mm/week with reduced and 2.8 mm/week with standard RUTF dose. The impact was more pronounced in children under 12 months of age (interaction, p = 0.019) who gained 2.8 mm/week with reduced and 3.1 mm/week with standard dose (Δ -0.4 mm/week; 95% CI -0.6 to -0.2; p < 0.001). Limitations include not blinding participants to the RUTF dose received and excluding all children with negative appetite test. The results are generalisable for relatively food secure contexts with a young SAM population.

CONCLUSIONS

Reducing the RUTF dose provided to children with SAM after two weeks of treatment did not reduce overall weight or mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) gain velocity nor affect recovery or lengthen treatment time. However, it led to a small but significant negative effect on linear growth, especially among the youngest. The potential effect of reducing the RUTF dose in a routine program on treatment outcomes should be evaluated before scaling up.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN registry ISRCTN50039021.

Nutrition rehabilitation of children with severe acute malnutrition: Revisiting studies undertaken by the National Institute of Nutrition

Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in children under five years is an important public health problem due to associated high mortality and long-term health consequences. Research on the dietary causes of SAM, especially the role and relative importance of dietary protein, in the aetiology of oedematous malnutrition, has led to considerable debates and controversies. The present article revisits some of the debates in this field, where the researchers at the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad, India, with their pioneering work, have contributed to the global literature on the various facets of the disease. Highlighting the importance of energy as a bigger problem than protein malnutrition is a noteworthy contribution of NIN's research. It is, however, important to examine the protein quality of the diets in light of the new information on the lysine requirements. The article argues that the currently dominating hypothesis of free radical theory requires a critical review of the supporting evidence. Over the past few decades, the research has focused on low-cost diets using locally available foods. The article also argues that solutions based on local foods, being acceptable and sustainable, need to be strengthened for their effective delivery through the existing nutrition programmes. Recent evidence shows that the use of ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF) with high micronutrient density may be linked with higher mortality possibly due to the high iron content, which could be counterproductive. There are several unaddressed concerns regarding the potential long-term impact of consumption of RUTF in children with SAM. More evidence and a cautious approach are, therefore, needed before implementing these solutions.

Alternative Ready-To-Use Therapeutic Food Yields Less Recovery Than the Standard for Treating Acute Malnutrition in Children From Ghana

In Ghana, an alternative ready-to-use food (RUTF) formulation that met all specifications was not as good as standard RUTF in affecting recovery from acute malnutrition among children aged 6 to 59 months.

Background:

Only 20% of children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) have access to ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF), and RUTF cost limits its accessibility.

Methods:

This randomized, double-blind controlled study involved a clinical equivalence trial comparing the effectiveness of an alternative RUTF with standard RUTF in the home-based treatment of uncomplicated SAM and moderate malnutrition in Ghanaian children aged 6 to 59 months. The primary outcome was recovery, equivalence was defined as being within 5 percentage points of the control group, and an intention-to-treat analysis was used. Alternative RUTF was composed of whey protein, soybeans, peanuts, sorghum, milk, sugar, and vegetable oil. Standard RUTF included peanuts, milk, sugar, and vegetable oil. The cost of alternative RUTF ingredients was 14% less than standard RUTF. Untargeted metabolomics was used to characterize the bioactive metabolites in the RUTFs.

Results:

Of the 1,270 children treated for SAM or moderate malnutrition, 554 of 628 (88%) receiving alternative RUTF recovered (95% confidence interval [CI]=85% to 90%) and 516 of 642 (80%) receiving standard RUTF recovered (95% CI=77% to 83%). The difference in recovery was 7.7% (95% CI=3.7% to 11.7%). Among the 401 children with SAM, the recovery rate was 130 of 199 (65%) with alternative RUTF and 156 of 202 (77%) with standard RUTF (P=.01). The default rate in SAM was 60 of 199 (30%) for alternative RUTF and 41 of 202 (20%) for standard RUTF (P=.04). Children enrolled with SAM who received alternative RUTF had less daily weight gain than those fed standard RUTF (2.4 ± 2.4 g/kg vs. 2.9 ± 2.6 g/kg, respectively; P<.05). Among children with moderate wasting, recovery rates were lower for alternative RUTF, 386 of 443 (87%), than standard RUTF, 397 of 426 (93%) (P=.003). More isoflavone metabolites were found in alternative RUTF than in the standard.

Conclusion:

The lower-cost alternative RUTF was less effective than standard RUTF in the treatment of severe and moderate malnutrition in Ghana.

Soya, maize and sorghum ready-to-use therapeutic foods are more effective in correcting anaemia and iron deficiency than the standard ready-to-use therapeutic food: randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of anaemia and iron deficiency (ID) among children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and their correction during nutritional rehabilitation are not well documented. This study assessed anaemia and ID prevalence and their predictors at start of SAM treatment, and the efficacy of their treatment and effect on gut health of two novel Ready-To-Use Therapeutic foods (RUTF) prepared from soybean, maize and sorghum (SMS) with (MSMS-RUTF) or without added milk (FSMS-RUTF) compared to those of the standard formulation prepared from peanut and milk (PM-RUTF).

METHODS

This was a 3-arms parallel groups, simple randomised, controlled non-inferiority trial in 6-59 months old Central Malawian children with SAM. Anaemia was defined using altitude- and ethnicity-adjusted haemoglobin. Iron status was defined using soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) and body iron stores (BIS). We used Pearson's chi-square test, t-test for paired or unpaired data, Kruskal-Wallis test for between-arm differences as appropriate and logistic regression to identify independent predictors of anaemia or iron deficiency anaemia (IDA).

RESULTS

The sample size was 389. At admission, the prevalence [%(95%CI)] of anaemia was 48.9(41.4-56.5)% while that of ID and IDA were 55.7(48.6-62.5)% and 34.3(28.2-41.0)% when using sTfR criterion and 29.1(24.4-34.4)% and 28.9(23.7-34.9)% when using BIS criterion, respectively. At discharge, nutrition rehabilitation with SMS-RUTF was associated with the lowest prevalence of anaemia [12.0(6.9-20.3)% for FSMS-RUTF, 18.2(11.9-26.8)% for MSMS-RUTF and 24.5(15.8-35.9)% for PM-RUTF; p = 0.023] and IDA [7.9(3.4-17.3)% for FSMS-RUTF, 10.9(4.8-22.6)% for MSMS-RUTF and 20.5(10.7-35.5)% for PM-RUTF; p = 0.028]. SMS-RUTF was also associated with the highest increase in BIS [Change in BIS (95%CI)] among the iron deplete at admission [6.2 (3.7; 8.6), 3.2 (0.8; 5.6), 2.2 (0.2; 4.3) for the same study arms; Anova p = 0.045]. Compared to P-RUTF, FSMS-RUTF had the highest adjusted recovery rate [OR (95%CI = 0.3 (0.2-0.5) with p < 0.001 for FSMS-RUTF and 0.6 (0.3-1.0) with p = 0.068 for MSMS-RUTF]. No effect of iron content on risk of iron overload or gut inflammation was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Anaemia and ID are common among children with SAM. FSMS-RUTF is more efficacious in treating anaemia and correcting BIS among this group than PM-RUTF.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was registered on 15 April 2015 ( PACTR201505001101224 ).

Nutritional status and disease severity in children acutely presenting to a primary health clinic in rural Gambia

BACKGROUND

Accurate and timely data on the health of a population are key for evidence-based decision making at both the policy and programmatic level. In many low-income settings, such data are unavailable or outdated. Using an electronic medical records system, we determined the association between nutritional status and severe illness and mortality among young children presenting to a rural primary health care facility in the Gambia.

METHODS

Clinical data collected over five years (2010-2014) on children aged under 60 months making acute visits to a primary health care clinic in the rural Gambian district of Kiang West were retrospectively extracted from the medical records system. Generalised estimating equation models were used to investigate associations between nutritional status and illness severity, accounting for repeat visits, gender, age and access to transport to the clinic. The Population Attributable Fraction (PAF) was used to determine the proportion of severe illness likely attributable to different grades of malnutrition.

RESULTS

3839/5021 (77%) children under 60 months of age living in Kiang West presented acutely to the clinic at least once, yielding 21,278 visits (47% girls, median age 20.2 months (Interquartile Range (IQR) 23.92 months)) and 26,001 diagnoses, 86% being infectious diseases. Severe illness was seen in 4.5% of visits (961/21,278). Wasting was associated with an increased risk of severe illness in a dose-dependent manner, ('WHZ < -1' adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) 1.68, 95% CI:1.43-1.98, p < 0.001, 'WHZ <-2 and ≥-3' aOR 2.78, 95% CI:2.31-3.36, p < 0.001 and 'WHZ < -3' aOR 7.82, 95% CI:6.40-9.55, p < 0.001) the PAF for wasting (WHZ < -2) was 0.21 (95% CI: 0.18-0.24). Stunting, even in the most severe form (HAZ < -3), was not significantly associated with severe illness (aOR 1.19 95% CI:0.94-1.51) but was associated with a significantly increased risk of death (aOR 6.04 95% CI:1.94-18.78).

CONCLUSION

In this population-based cohort of young children in rural Gambia, wasting was associated with disease severity in a dose-dependent manner. Further research is needed into strategies to identify and reach these children with effective interventions to improve their nutritional status.

Ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) for home-based nutritional rehabilitation of severe acute malnutrition in children from six months to five years of age

BACKGROUND

Management of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in children comprises two potential phases: stabilisation and rehabilitation. During the initial stabilisation phase, children receive treatment for dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, intercurrent infections and other complications. In the rehabilitation phase (applicable to children presenting with uncomplicated SAM or those with complicated SAM after complications have been resolved), catch-up growth is the main focus and the recommended energy and protein requirements are much higher. In-hospital rehabilitation of children with SAM is not always desirable or practical - especially in rural settings - and home-based care can offer a better solution. Ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) is a widely used option for home-based rehabilitation, but the findings of our previous review were inconclusive.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of home-based RUTF used during the rehabilitation phase of SAM in children aged between six months and five years on recovery, relapse, mortality and rate of weight gain.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following databases in October 2018: CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, six other databases and three trials registers. We ran separate searches for cost-effectiveness studies, contacted researchers and healthcare professionals in the field, and checked bibliographies of included studies and relevant reviews.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs, where children aged between six months and five years with SAM were, during the rehabilitation phase, treated at home with RUTF compared to an alternative dietary approach, or with different regimens and formulations of RUTF compared to each other. We assessed recovery, deterioration or relapse and mortality as primary outcomes; and rate of weight gain, time to recovery, anthropometrical changes, cognitive development and function, adverse outcomes and acceptability as secondary outcomes.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We screened for eligible studies, extracted data and assessed risk of bias of those included, independently and in duplicate. Where data allowed, we performed a random-effects meta-analysis using Review Manager 5, and investigated substantial heterogeneity through subgroup and sensitivity analyses. For the main outcomes, we evaluated the quality of the evidence using GRADE, and presented results in a 'Summary of findings' table per comparison.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 15 eligible studies (n = 7976; effective sample size = 6630), four of which were cluster trials. Eight studies were conducted in Malawi, four in India, and one apiece in Kenya, Zambia, and Cambodia. Six studies received funding or donations from industry whereas eight did not, and one study did not report the funding source.The overall risk of bias was high for six studies, unclear for three studies, and low for six studies. Among the 14 studies that contributed to meta-analyses, none (n = 5), some (n = 5) or all (n = 4) children were stabilised in hospital prior to commencement of the study. One small study included only children known to be HIV-infected, another study stratified the analysis for 'recovery' according to HIV status, while the remaining studies included HIV-uninfected or untested children. Across all studies, the intervention lasted between 8 and 16 weeks. Only five studies followed up children postintervention (maximum of six months), and generally reported on a limited number of outcomes.We found seven studies with 2261 children comparing home-based RUTF meeting the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for nutritional composition (referred to in this review as standard RUTF) with an alternative dietary approach (effective sample size = 1964). RUTF probably improves recovery (risk ratio (RR) 1.33; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16 to 1.54; 6 studies, 1852 children; moderate-quality evidence), and may increase the rate of weight gain slightly (mean difference (MD) 1.12 g/kg/day, 95% CI 0.27 to 1.96; 4 studies, 1450 children; low-quality evidence), but we do not know the effects on relapse (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.30 to 1.01; 4 studies, 1505 children; very low-quality evidence) and mortality (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.51 to 2.16; 4 studies, 1505 children; very low-quality evidence).Two quasi-randomised cluster trials compared standard, home-based RUTF meeting total daily nutritional requirements with a similar RUTF but given as a supplement to the usual diet (213 children; effective sample size = 210). Meta-analysis showed that standard RUTF meeting total daily nutritional requirements may improve recovery (RR 1.41, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.68; low-quality evidence) and reduce relapse (RR 0.11, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.85; low-quality evidence), but the effects are unknown for mortality (RR 1.36, 95% CI 0.46 to 4.04; very low-quality evidence) and rate of weight gain (MD 1.21 g/kg/day, 95% CI - 0.74 to 3.16; very low-quality evidence).Eight studies randomised 5502 children (effective sample size = 4456) and compared standard home-based RUTF with RUTFs of alternative formulations (e.g. using locally available ingredients, containing less or no milk powder, containing specific fatty acids, or with added pre- and probiotics). For recovery, it made little or no difference whether standard or alternative formulation RUTF was used (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.08; 6 studies, 4188 children; high-quality evidence). Standard RUTF decreases relapse (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.98; 6 studies, 4188 children; high-quality evidence). However, it probably makes little or no difference to mortality (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.24; 7 studies, 4309 children; moderate-quality evidence) and may make little or no difference to the rate of weight gain (MD 0.11 g/kg/day, 95% CI -0.32 to 0.54; 6 studies, 3807 children; low-quality evidence) whether standard or alternative formulation RUTF is used.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Compared to alternative dietary approaches, standard RUTF probably improves recovery and may increase rate of weight gain slightly, but the effects on relapse and mortality are unknown. Standard RUTF meeting total daily nutritional requirements may improve recovery and relapse compared to a similar RUTF given as a supplement to the usual diet, but the effects on mortality and rate of weight gain are not clear. When comparing RUTFs with different formulations, the current evidence does not favour a particular formulation, except for relapse, which is reduced with standard RUTF. Well-designed, adequately powered, pragmatic RCTs with standardised outcome measures, stratified by HIV status, and that include diarrhoea as an outcome, are needed.

Acceptability and efficacy of ready-to-use therapeutic food using soy protein isolate in under-5 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition in Bangladesh: a double-blind randomized non-inferiority trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Globally, around 20 million children suffer from severe acute malnutrition (SAM). Identifying a more economical treatment for those affected has the potential to make treatment more available and improve prognosis for recovery and future health.

DESIGN/METHODS

The double-blind randomized study compared taste acceptability (measured by the eagerness to eat) and efficacy of soy-based RUTF (S-RUTF) with milk-based RUTF (M-RUTF) in 6- to 59-month-old children suffering from SAM (WHZ < -3) at icddr,b, in Bangladesh. These SAM children were enrolled in the study after completion of their stabilization phase of treatment. Tolerance of test-RUTF was also tested during the efficacy trial.

RESULTS

The cross-over taste acceptability study, conducted in 36 children, revealed similar results between products and an absence of side effects. The efficacy trial enrolled 260 children (130, each group) with similar baseline characteristics, including mean ± SD age 15.0 ± 8.0 months, WHZ - 3.41 ± 0.40 and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) 11.1 ± 0.7 cm. The features at the end of study by RUTF group were (in S-RUTF vs. M-RUTF, respectively): total days from enrollment: 44 ± 34 versus 39 ± 30; weight gain (kg): 0.698 ± 0.438 versus 0.741 ± 0.381 and rate of weight gain (g/kg/d): 3.9 ± 3.2 versus 5.2 ± 4.6; MUAC gain (cm): 0.9 ± 0.7 versus 0.9 ± 0.6; and improvement of WHZ: 1.12 ± 0.82 versus 1.22 ± 0.68 (all data were man ± SD and none were significantly different between the groups). At enrollment and the end of intervention, the body composition [total body water (TBW): 70.3 ± 3.2 vs. 69.9 ± 3.5%, and fat: 11.0 ± 4.0 vs.11.5 ± 4.3% at baseline; and TBW: 65.5 ± 4.1 vs. 65.9 ± 4.6%; and fat: 16.8 ± 5.2 vs. 16.2 ± 5.8% in S-RUTF and M-RUTF group, respectively] was found similar. Moreover, the increment of total TBW, FM, and FFM was also observed similar between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first randomized trial comparing S-RUTF using soy protein isolate with milk-based RUTF including comparison of body composition. S-RUTF was found equally acceptable as of milk-based RUTF without any adverse event. Children receiving S-RUTF showed similar pattern of changes in anthropometric indices, and body composition as of milk-based RUTF. Greater number of SAM children can be managed in the community with comparatively low-cost soy-based RUTF.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT01634009.

Amino-acid-enriched cereals ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF) are as effective as milk-based RUTF in recovering essential amino acid during the treatment of severe acute malnutrition in children: An individually randomized control trial in Malawi

BACKGROUND

Ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) is used to treat children suffering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM). Standard RUTF uses milk as the primary protein source, which makes the product expensive, and given the high worldwide SAM burden, having a less expensive effective alternative is a public health priority.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether newly developed amino acid-enriched milk-free RUTF (FSMS-RUTF) or amino acid-enriched low-milk RUTF (MSMS-RUTF) treatment could replenish plasma amino acids to levels comparable to those following standard peanut-milk RUTF (PM-RUTF) treatment and to improve understanding of the effects of treatment on anthropometric measurements. A secondary analysis was performed to test the noninferiority hypothesis of plasma essential amino acid (EAA) levels.

METHODS

Plasma EAA levels were measured in a nonblinded, 3-arm, parallel-group simple randomized controlled trial conducted in Malawi to examine the efficacy of FSMS-RUTF, MSMS-RUTF and PM-RUTF in the treatment of SAM in 2 groups of children aged 6-23 and 24-59 months (mo). Sample size calculations were performed based on the previous our study. A noninferiority margin was set at -25% of the PM-RUTF arm at discharge.

RESULTS

The relative values of the differences (95% CI) in plasma EAA levels between PM-RUTF treatment and FSMS-RUTF and MSMS-RUTF treatments at discharge were -7.9% (-18.6, 2.8) and 9.8% (0.2, 19.5), respectively, in children aged 6-23 mo, while in those aged 24-59 mo, the difference values were 17.8% (1.6, 34.1) and 13.6% (-2.8, 29.9), respectively.

CONCLUSION

At discharge, the plasma EAA concentrations in 6-59-mo-old SAM children treated with FSMS-RUTF and MSMS-RUTF were not less than those of children treated with PM-RUTF. These findings indicate that treatment with either of the 3 RUTFs was associated with adequate protein synthesis and that all the formulations provided sufficient functional metabolites of plasma amino acids to support nutritional recovery from SAM.

Growth Components of Cow's Milk: Emphasis on Effects in Undernourished Children

BACKGROUND

Cow's milk is a core ingredient in foods for prevention and treatment of undernutrition in children. It promotes growth, but there is limited knowledge of which components in milk have growth-stimulating effects.

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the growth-stimulating effects of milk in undernourished children with emphasis on protein, lactose, and minerals.

METHODS

We reviewed literature on dairy and growth in undernourished children.

RESULTS

Cow's milk has a specific stimulating effect on linear growth, even in well-nourished children, and it may stimulate weight gain and muscle accretion in wasted children. Dairy protein has high protein quality scores with no major differences between whey protein concentrate and dried skimmed milk. Lactose has potential growth-stimulating effects, and the high content of potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc in milk is also likely to stimulate growth. Furthermore, a high dairy content reduces the amount of antinutrients from plant protein.

CONCLUSIONS

Dairy protein, lactose, and bioavailable minerals all have potential growth-stimulating effects, which make cow's milk an important ingredient in foods for undernourished children. Different dairy ingredients vary with regard to protein amount and quality, content of lactose, and minerals, and thereby growth stimulating effects. This should be taken into consideration when deciding which dairy ingredient to use. Challenges include the relatively high cost of dairy. Therefore, future studies should include cost-effectiveness analysis and assessment of the desirable content of each growth-promoting milk component.

Innovative optimization of ready to use food for treatment of acute malnutrition

Treatment of acute malnutrition typically requires the provision of ready-to-use food (RUF). Common RUF is effective but expensive, being manufactured from costly ingredients, and shipped worldwide from few global suppliers. I developed a linear programming tool to create RUF optimized for low cost using locally grown crops while maintaining necessary nutritional goals and other constraints. My tool utilizes a database of the nutritional value, price, and water efficiency of suitable ingredients and allows adjustment of constraints, including nutrients, flavour, and crop water efficiency. It is designed to (a) address nutrient requirements conforming to current standards and practice; (b) optimize RUF formulae for low cost using a wide range of ingredients for nutritional value and acceptability improvement; (c) ensure protein quality through protein digestibility corrected amino acid score; and (d) adjust RUF formulae according to locally grown crop selection, local prices, and crop water footprint. The tool creates formulae free of expensive dairy ingredients, ensuring desired protein digestibility corrected amino acid score by automatically balancing proteins with complementary quantities of essential amino acids. Using publicly available data with an application to Nigeria, my tool created RUF formulae suitable for local production using local crops to meet all nutrient requirements at a fraction of the ingredient cost and water footprint of current formulae, demonstrating the tool's effectiveness. Optimization of RUF for low cost using locally grown crops will facilitate local production and reduce ingredient as well as transport costs, so more patients can receive lifesaving treatment.

A Novel Concept of Amino Acid Supplementation to Improve the Growth of Young Malnourished Male Rats

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS

This study was aimed at understanding the relationship between plasma amino acids and protein malnutrition and at determining whether amino acid supplementation associated with malnutrition and growth improves linear growth in growing rats.

METHODS

Body length and plasma amino acids were measured in young male rats that were fed the following diet for 3 weeks, mimicking a low and imbalanced protein diets based on maize, a major staple consumed in developing countries: a 70% calorically restricted cornmeal-based diet (C), C + micronutrients (CM), CM + casein (CMC), CM + soy protein (CMS) or CMS + 0.3% lysine.

RESULTS

A correlation analysis of linear growth and plasma amino acids indicated that lysine, tryptophan, branched-chain amino acids, methionine, and phenylalanine significantly correlated with body length. Supplementation with these 5 amino acids (AA1) significantly improved the body length in rats compared to CMC treatment whereas, nitrogen-balanced amino acid supplemented controls (AA2) did not (CM +1.2 ± 0.2, CMC +2.7 ± 0.3, CMS +2.1 ± 0.3, AA1 +2.8 ± 0.2, and AA2 +2.5 ± 0.3 cm).

CONCLUSION

With securing proper amino acid balance, supplementing growth-related amino acids is more effective in improving linear growth in malnourished growing male rats. Analysis of the correlation between plasma amino acids and growth represents a powerful tool to determine candidate amino acids for supplementation to prevent malnutrition. This technology is adaptable to children in developing countries.

Milk products in the dietary management of childhood undernutrition - a historical review

The present narrative review outlines the use of milk products in infant and young child feeding from early history until today and illustrates how research findings and technical innovations contributed to the evolution of milk-based strategies to combat undernutrition in children below the age of 5 years. From the onset of social welfare initiatives, dairy products were provided by maternal and child health services to improve nutrition. During the last century, a number of aetiological theories on oedematous forms of undernutrition were developed and until the 1970s the dogma of protein deficiency was dominant. Thereafter, a multifactorial concept gained acceptance and protein quality was emphasised. During the last decades, research findings demonstrated that the inclusion of dairy products in the management of severe acute malnutrition is most effective. For children suffering from moderate acute malnutrition the evidence for the superiority of milk-based diets is less clear. There is an unmet need for evaluating locally produced milk-free alternatives at lower cost, especially in countries that rely on imported dairy products. New strategies for the dietary management of childhood undernutrition need to be developed on the basis of research findings, current child feeding practices, socio-cultural conditions and local resources. Exclusive and continued breast-feeding supported by community-based nutrition programmes using optimal combinations of locally available complementary foods should be compared with milk product-based interventions.