ABSTRACT

Ready to-use-therapeutic food (RUTF) is a specially designed product for the nutritional rehabilitation of severe acute malnutrition in children over 6 months of age. The potential of Sesame-Wheat-Soya beans blend (SWS-RUTF) as a candidate for local formulation of RUTF was determined. Three products were formed with varying ratios; SWS-RUTF1 (sesame 25%, Wheat 10%, soya beans 30%), SWS-RUTF2 (sesame 25%, wheat 15%, soya beans 25%), and SWS-RUTF3 (sesame 20%, wheat 10%, soya beans 35%), while soya oil, sugar, and mineral/vitamin mix constitutes the remaining 35%. Statistically significant difference (P<0.05) was observed in the proximate composition of the products; carbohydrate ranged between 49% – 54%, crude protein (24% to 28%), lipid (9% to 11%), and energy value 404kcal to 411kcal. The three formulations had Amino Acid scores of 72, 65 and 75, PDCAAS; 62, 55, and 67, and Protein efficiency ratio; 1.08, 1.07, and 1.10, respectively. The percentage change in body weight of weanling albino rats used in the research show that all the animal groups fed with SWS-RUTF had values that were not significantly different from each other, but significantly (P<0.05) lower than animal group fed with Pea nut-based RUTF, and greater than animal group fed with normal feed. Impact of the product on serum total protein was found to be higher in groups fed with SWS-RUTF, but the difference was not statistically significant (P< 0.05). Thus, the formulation made in this study may serve as candidate for RUTF formulation if improved.