Therapeutic feeds used in the management of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) include F-75 (starter) and F-100 (catch-up). The CRITICAL difference between F-75 and F-100 is:
- A F-75 has lower protein and energy (75 kcal/100 mL) for metabolic stabilization; F-100 has higher protein and energy (100 kcal/100 mL) for catch-up growth ✓
- B F-75 is higher in protein and calories to support rapid catch-up growth, F-100 is used for stabilization
- C F-75 contains added zinc to prevent diarrhoea; F-100 contains added iron for anaemia correction
- D F-75 is for moderate acute malnutrition; F-100 is for severe acute malnutrition
Correct answer: A. F-75 has lower protein and energy (75 kcal/100 mL) for metabolic stabilization; F-100 has higher protein and energy (100 kcal/100 mL) for catch-up growth
Explanation
F-75 (75 kcal/100 mL, 0.9 g protein/100 mL) is used during the stabilization phase (days 1–7) when the child's metabolic capacity is impaired — high protein and energy overload risks refeeding syndrome. F-100 (100 kcal/100 mL, 2.9 g protein/100 mL) is introduced during the rehabilitation/catch-up phase when the metabolic status has stabilized. RUTF (ready-to-use therapeutic food, e.g., Plumpy'Nut) is equivalent to F-100 in nutritional composition and is used for outpatient management of SAM without medical complications.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.