Locally made ready to use therapeutic food for treatment of malnutrition a randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of a locally made ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) in decreasing mild to moderate malnutrition.


METHODS
A randomized open label, controlled trial.


METHODS
Pre-schools run by the Department of Community Health in Kaniyambadi administrative block, Vellore, India; duration of follow-up 3 months from the date of recruitment.


METHODS
Pupils aged 18 -60 months with Weight-for-Age 2 SD.


METHODS
A locally produced energy-dense supplement (RUTF), and the current standard of care [teaching caregivers how to make a fortified cereal-milk supplement called High Calorie Cereal Milk (HCCM)].


METHODS
Increase in weight-for-age status; increase in levels of plasma zinc, vitamin B12, serum albumin and haemoglobin.


RESULTS
The Mean (SD) weight gain at 3 months was higher in the RUTF group: RUTF (n=51): 0.54 kg; (SE = 0.05; 95% CI = 0.44 - 0.65) vs HCCM (n=45): 0.38 kg;(SE = 0.06; 95% CI = 0.25 - 0.51), P = 0.047. The weight gain per kilogram of body weight was directly proportional to the severity of malnutrition.


CONCLUSIONS
Community-based treatment showed weight gain in both groups, the gain being higher with RUTF.
Singh
Azara Sneha
AS
Departments of Gastrointestinal Sciences and Community Health, Christian Medical College, Vellore TN 632004, India.
Kang
Gagandeep
G
Ramachandran
Anup
A
Sarkar
Rajiv
R
Peter
Pearline
P
Bose
Anuradha
A
D000818:Animals; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D005526:Food, Formulated; D005527:Food, Fortified; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000178:diet therapy*; D044623:Nutrition Therapy / Q000379:methods*