394: Novel Technologies to Develop Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods for Treatment of Severe Acute Malnutrition

Introduction

Around 19 million children are affected by severe acute malnutrition (SAM) globally. Current commercially available ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTFs) maintain a monopoly in high-incidence regions, such as Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), but are inadequate due to the high cost and unreliable supply. Occurrence of SAM and logistical difficulties in providing proper treatment have been amplified in SSA by regional supply chain disruption from global events. A product viable for independent and local production is needed to best treat SAM in an outpatient setting.

Methods

Development of an alternative RUTF needed to be based on regional ingredients and synergy with an appropriate thermal process. Analysis of functional (nutritional and physical) and dielectric properties were conducted. Target nutritional profiles were designed based on data from the WHO and FAO Guidelines for Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods, the 2020-2025 USDA and HHS Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and consulted collaborators with expertise in nutrition science.

Results

Four final prototypes were derived from a base blend and modified to best adapt to geographical differences in supply, sensory preferences, and processing. Sweet potatoes function as the foundation to ensure smooth processing and can be grown in SSA, allowing for production locally and sensory familiarity. Microwave processing ensures safety and stability while maintaining nutritional integrity. Shelf life extenders help increase accessibility, and rheology modifiers allow for delivery in a variety of mediums to accommodate those at different stages of refeeding. A novel, integrated enzyme approach is incorporated to promote digestion and energy retention throughout refeeding. The RUTF provides 500 kcal/serving and a customized vitamin and amino acid composition to match WHO requirements. Current efforts are to support children coping with SAM in SSA but the RUTF can serve as temporary food security to others globally.

Significance

The ultimate goal of this project is not to develop a product but to alleviate the physical and economic burdens of those coping with SAM. This is a humanitarian effort to help destabilize the RUTF monopoly in SSA. We hope to partner with local food industries to employ communities and provide them with the means to produce ingredients sustainably, and most importantly, independently.

Authors: Alex Swanson-Boyd, Tawanda Muzhingi, Josip Simunovic