Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) cut-off for Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in children aged 6–59 months is:

• A < 12.5 cm
• B < 13.5 cm
• C < 10.5 cm
• D < 11.5 cm ✓

Explanation

MUAC < 11.5 cm = SAM in children 6–59 months (WHO and UNICEF standard). MUAC 11.5–12.5 cm = Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM). MUAC ≥ 12.5 cm = no acute malnutrition. MUAC is easy to measure in the field and does not require age verification, making it preferred for community-based screening. SAM children are referred to Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres (NRCs).

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.