• A study by Sachdev et al, focuses on critically analyzing the latest guidelines by WHO on the prevention and management of wasting and nutritional edema (acute malnutrition) in infants and children under 5 years.

• The following are the recommendations according to the guidelines:

  • Post stabilization of SAM children when they are being shifted into the rehabilitation phase, a transition from F-75 to ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) over 2–3 days, is recommended with the proposed energy intake of 100–135 kcal/kg/day.

  • 150–220 kcal/ kg/day of RUTF until anthropometric recovery and resolution of nutritional edema for infants and children with severe wasting or nutritional edema.

• Health gaps highlighted in the study are:

  • Absence of proper guidelines regarding the transition from product-based RUTF to home diets.

  • Lack of recommendation on timing and type of diet that should be started and their management over time.

  • No clarity regarding the outer limit of providing RUTF In case the child does not achieve the minimum anthropometric measures during recovery.

  • There is a lack of focus on home-based diets.

• Addressing these gaps is important as they can inadvertently lead to adverse consequences of overfeeding.

Click here to read more.