Study Effect of F-75 Diet on Weight of Severe Acute Malnourished Children in Western Rajasthan

Background: Malnutrition is rampant in paediatric age group globally. Over the last two decades, severe acute malnutrition (SAM) has been increasing in India despite of favourable national – level economic growth. Prevalence of SAM has increased from 6.6% in 2005 – 2006 as per NFHS-3 to 7.5% in 2015 – 2016 as per NFHS-4, and as per NFHS-5 prevalence continues to be 7.7%. Children with SAM are at 9-11 times higher risk of mortality and morbidity than well-nourished children. This is an unprecedented public health emergency requiring policy attention, critical care, nutritional therapy as well as nutritional rehabilitation. Aims and Objective: To study effect of F-75 diet on weight of SAM children admitted in malnutrition treatment centre. Material and Methods: This is Prospective observational study done on SAM Children (without bilateral pedal oedema) aged 6months to 60 months hospitalized in Malnutrition Treatment Center, in Government Medical College Pali and attached Bangur hospital, during study period from April 2022 to April 2024. F-75 diet was given to 387 SAM children that were enrolled in study for initial 3days according to MTC guidelines. Daily weight gain is recorded. Average daily weight gain (gm/kg/day) calculated on day fourth as well as on discharge. Results: Out of 387 children average daily weight gain on day fourth was following: <5gm/kg/day in 35(9%), 5-10 gm/kg/day in 83(21.5%), >10 gm/kg /day in 269(69.5%). This suggests good weight gain on F-75 diet in maximum children due to availability of food in adequate quantity & quality. Conclusion: Although F-75 is not intended for weight gain, still children gained good weight on starter diet. High quality infant and young child feeding counselling is needed to prevent severe acute malnutrition as introduction of complementary feeding at 6 months age can lessen burden of malnutrition.