Production of extruded cereal – legume based ready-to – use therapeutic foods (RUTFS) for management of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Management of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in Nigeria has out of stock of imported peanut milk-based ready- to - use therapeutic foods (RUTFs) as its major challenge.

Objective: The study aimed at the production of extruded cereal – legume based RUTFs for management of SAM in Nigeria.

Methods: Five test cereal - legume based RUTF blends (eRUTF1 – 5) were formulated using a modified linear programming tool according to WHO guidelines and produced by extrusion cooking. Standard methods were employed to determine the proximate compositions, cost and organoleptic characteristics of the eRUTFs. Data obtained were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Scientists and Engineers' Statistix 9.2, 2012 software.

Results: The energy in the eRUTFs ranged from 522.10 to 527.33kcal / 100g. Proximate composition of the eRUTFs showed moisture levels of (0.10 - 0.57%); protein (14.03 – 15.19 %), fat (27.82 – 29.09%); ash (2.75 – 4.56%); crude fibre (0.41 – 1.69%) and carbohydrate (50.18–53.96%) per 100g. The cost of the eRUTFs (N 54.17- N 56.57) per 100g satchet were comparable (p > 0.05) and significantly (p<0.05) lower than the cost of the imported RUTF (N146 / sachet) in Nigeria. Acceptance levels of the eRUTFs were comparable (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Extruded cereal- legume based RUTFs for management of SAM made from local staples met the recommendations for energy, protein, and fat for RUTF and were cheaper than the peanut milk based imported RUTFs.