IMPROVING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF READY-TO-USE THERAPEUTIC FOODS (RUTFS): A STRATEGIC APPROACH TOWARD MITIGATING ACUTE AND CHRONIC MALNUTRITION WITHIN CHILDREN

Acute and chronic malnutrition remain critical global challenges, particularly in developing nations across Asia and Africa. While significant progress has been made in reducing the prevalence of wasting and stunting, these conditions continue to persist at alarming rates. Ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTFs) have emerged as a breakthrough in addressing acute and chronic undernutrition due to their high density of micronutrients and macronutrients, long shelf life, and ease of distribution and consumption. However, their widespread impact is hindered by high production costs and a substantial renal solute load, which limits their accessibility and effectiveness in communities with restricted access to safe drinking water and healthcare funding. Enhancing RUTF formulations by incorporating soybean and oat into peanut-based RUTFs may improve nutritional value, reduce costs, and increase acceptance among children. Furthermore, the development of age-specific RUTF formulations could mitigate the strain on renal function associated with nutrient-dense foods and lower the risk of dehydration-related conditions. Further research is essential to evaluate whether peanut-, soybean-, and oat-based RUTFs offer superior efficacy in treating acute and chronic malnutrition compared to peanut-only formulations.