The 'SAM' (Severe Acute Malnutrition) management protocol under India's National Programme differentiates complicated from uncomplicated SAM using RUTF (Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food). The WHO recommended RUTF composition per 100 g contains approximately:

• A 250 kcal, 6 g protein, 10 g fat
• B 380 kcal, 7 g protein, 20 g fat
• C 600 kcal, 15 g protein, 40 g fat
• D 500 kcal, 12 g protein, 35 g fat ✓

Explanation

WHO-recommended RUTF (e.g., Plumpy'nut) contains approximately 500 kcal/100 g, with ≥10% protein (≈12–15 g), ≈45–60% energy from fat (≈35 g), and enriched with micronutrients. This high energy density enables rapid catch-up growth. Uncomplicated SAM children receive RUTF as outpatient therapeutic feeding, while complicated cases (with edema, infections, or poor appetite) require NRC-based in-patient care.

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

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.