The journey in the lifelong fight against stunting beginnings: The potential role of food for special medical purposes

Stunting, a chronic malnutrition condition characterized by impaired growth and development, poses significant challenges to global public health, particularly in low-resource settings. Food for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP) are specially formulated nutritional products designed to address specific dietary deficiencies, offering essential macronutrients, micronutrients, and energy-dense solutions in bioavailable forms. For stunted children, FSMPs provide critical support for physical growth, cognitive development, and immune function, addressing barriers often unmet by standard diet. This review explores the potential role of FSMP as a targeted nutritional intervention in combating stunting. The integration of FSMPs into public health strategies, emphasizing the need for multisectoral cooperation among governments, healthcare providers, and the food industry. Challenges such as cost, accessibility, and cultural acceptance are addressed alongside opportunities presented by innovations like nutrigenomics, which enable personalized nutrition tailored to individual metabolic and genetic profiles. Furthermore, the review underscores FSMP’s dual role in treatment and prevention, particularly for at-risk populations. Future directions call for advancing FSMP formulations, improving distribution systems, and fostering collaborative efforts to enhance affordability and scalability. With sustained commitment and comprehensive strategies, FSMPs hold promise in breaking the cycle of malnutrition, empowering children to reach their full potential, and fostering healthier, more productive generations.