Locally Developed Ready-To-Use-Therapeutic-Food (RUTF) for Management of Malnutrition Using Animal Models

Abstract

The prevalence of protein energy malnutrition in developing countries has reduced globally. However stunting, wasting, and underweight are still unacceptably high. These high levels of protein energy malnutrition are a major cause of high infant and child morbidity, and mortality rates. Community-based therapy for acute childhood malnutrition has been successful in a variety of settings over the last five years. This study therefore sought to develop a ready- to-use- therapeutic food using foods that are locally available in Western Kenya.