PREPARATION OF READY TO USE SUPPLEMENTARY FOOD (RUSF) FOR TREATING MODERATELY ACUTE MALNUTRITION IN CHILDREN AGED 6-24 MONTHS

Abstract

Abstract A well-balanced diet was prepared based on the recommendation of WFP and UNICEF for the treatment of moderate acute malnourished children aged 6-24 months. According to the formulae, three products of RUSF A, B and C were prepared using cereals, legumes, seeds, oil, sugar, SMP and vitamin and mineral premix. On the basis of sensory evaluation, RUSF B was found to be the best among the three products. The product was analyzed for proximate composition, mineral, vitamin, microbiological quality, organoleptic quality, rate of change in PV and AV, amino acid composition and cost calculation. The protein, fat, carbohydrate, crude fiber, total ash, vitamin C, iron and calcium of the product were found to be 14.77%, 33.87%, 44.73%, 1.67%, 2.70%, 66.95 mg/100gm, 12.27 mg/100gm and 525.58 mg/100gm respectively. The diet can supply 542.83 Kcal/100 gm. The energy contributed by the protein, fat and carbohydrate were found to be 10.83%, 56.05% and 32.8% of total Kcals respectively and contains all the essential amino acids required by the children under 2 years of age. The diet was found to be microbiologically safe. The TPC and yeast and mold count in the product were 1850 cfu/g and 48 cfu/g respectively. The cost of product was calculated as NRs. 30.36/100 gm. The rate of change in AV and PV under three packaging materials, i.e., HDPE, aluminum foil and glass bottles when studied for four consecutive weeks were found within the acceptable limit. Hence, the prepared RUSF is in accordance to the specification given by WFP which could be effective in the treatment of moderate acute malnourished child after the clinical trial.