Feeding Malnourished Children Different Types of Fatty Acids to Promote Neurocognitive Development

Improved Polyunsaturated Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food for Improved Neurocognitive Outcomes in Severe Acute Malnutrition

An appropriate balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids is important for support of neurocognitive development in healthy infants and toddlers. In young children recovering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM), excess omega-6 intake depletes omega-3 fatty acid status. This research will evaluate how novel ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF) with balanced fatty acids improve the metabolic and neurocognitive effects in young children in Malawi recovering from SAM, yielding new knowledge that also has implications for development of well-nourished children.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 6-59 months
• An acceptable appetite defined by the ability to consume 30 grams RUTF within 20 minutes
• Mid Upper Arm Circumference <11.5 cm, weight-for-height z-score < -3, or bilateral pitting edema on the dorsum of the feet

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participation in any other ongoing study or supplementary feeding program
• Children with a chronic medical condition, including cerebral palsy, static encephalopathy, congenital heart disease, gastrointestinal disease, or peanut allergy