RUTF is a therapeutic food utilized in the treatment of severely malnourished children. It is deemed very efficient as an approximated 90% of subjects acclaim recovery within just a couple of weeks.
The constituents of RUTF comprise of a peanut paste, powdered milk, some vitamins and minerals, sugars and vegetables oils. Its soft in texture, easily digestible and with a sweet nutty flavour. It is a ready to eat food product packaged in sachets of about 100 grams each. It requires no addition of water thus reduces the risk of contamination from unclean water. Moreover, the food item requires no refrigeration or heating, at it has an extended shelf life of 2 years. Due to its ease in use, it is applicable for distribution in emergency contexts with scarce resources.
The management of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in children consists of stabilization and rehabilitation phases. The initial stabilization phase is focused on rehydrating the malnourished child and treating present infections and other complications. The subsequent rehabilitation phase (applicable to children presenting with uncomplicated SAM or those with complicated SAM after complications have been resolved), aims for the restoration of catch‐up growth requiring increased energy and protein requirements. Usually, children are discharged to continue with treatment at home, where they are provided with ready‐to‐use therapeutic food. At home, the food can be prepared by a caregiver using energy‐ and nutrient‐dense locally available foods, or the RUTF provided at the health centre.