Abstract

RUTF (READY-TO-USE THERAPEUTIC FOODS) TREATMENT FOR KWASHIORKOR

Lahari Samudrala*, Pooja Agarwal, T. Ramya Krishna and B. Priyanka

ABSTRACT

Kwashiorkor, also known as “edematous malnutrition” is a nutritional disorder most often seen in regions experiencing extreme scarcity of food. It is a form of malnutrition caused by a lack of protein in the diet. These conditions are responsible for a lack of food, which leads to malnutrition. Kwashiorkor is very rare in children in the United States. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines malnutrition as "the cellular imbalance between the supply of nutrients and energy and the body's demand for them to ensure growth, maintenance, and specific functions. If kwashiorkor is identified early it can be treated with either specially formulated milk-based feeds or ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF). RUTF is typically made up of peanut butter, milk powder, sugar, vegetable oil, and added vitamins and minerals. More intensive treatment in hospital will be needed in severe cases or where there are already complications, such as infections. Hospital treatment will usually involve: Treating or preventing low blood glucose. Keeping the person warm – kwashiorkor can make it harder to generate body heat. Treating dehydration with specially formulated rehydration solution. Treating infections with antibiotics – kwashiorkor greatly increases the risk of infections. Treating vitamin and mineral deficiencies – vitamin supplements are usually included in the special milks or RUTF.

Keywords: Protein Deficiency, Malnutrition, Kwashiorkor, Therapeutic Foods.