A randomized controlled trial on the efficacy and safety of a modified ready to use therapeutic food among malnourished children

ABSTRACT

RATIONALE In the Philippines, 25% of children OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy, safety and acceptability of a modified RUTF (mRUTF) to supplement caloric intake. METHOD: One hundred (100) children 18 months to 10 years old with mild to moderate malnutrition were randomized to either mRUTF or control group. The treatment arm received mRUTF during weekdays for 5 weeks while controls had no supplementation. Anthropometric measurements were taken at baseline, weekly for 5 weeks and 2 weeks post-supplementation. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable at baseline. At five weekly intervals, there was no significant difference in weight, height and mid upper arm circumference between groups, although the mean percentage weight gain of the mRUTF group was higher compared with controls (8% vs 2.6%, p=0.15). Cessation of supplementation resulted in weight loss in the mRUTF group. [mRUTF -0.40 (0.33) vs -0.03 (0.35), p=0.00]. The taste of mRUTF was acceptable. CONCLUSION: Ready-to-use-therapeutic food is an effective, safe and acceptable alternative supplement for children, 18 months to 10 years old, with mild to moderate malnutrition.