Potoru

Researchers are investigating whether adding milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) to ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) can improve neurodevelopment and reduce serious complications in children aged 6 to 59 months with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in Sierra Leone. Despite advances in treatment, children with SAM often suffer lasting developmental delays and high risks of death or hospitalization. This trial compares MFGM-enhanced RUTF to the standard RUTF containing skim milk powder to see if the new formulation supports better recovery. Participants will receive either MFGM-RUTF or standard RUTF at a dose of two sachets daily for up to 12 weeks. Both RUTFs meet Codex Alimentarius specifications but differ in protein and fat components, with MFGM providing additional brain-supportive lipids. Children will visit clinics every two weeks for measurements and illness checks during treatment. A subset will provide blood and stool samples. Malaria chemoprophylaxis and amoxicillin are also given as part of standard care. Children's growth will be regularly assessed through length, weight, arm circumference, and edema checks. Neurodevelopment will be evaluated at treatment end and six months later using the Malawi Developmental Assessment Tool (MDAT), with the global z-score as a key outcome. Researchers will also track a combination of poor treatment outcomes including death, hospitalization, or failure to recover. The study lasts through the treatment period plus a 6-month follow-up, aiming to understand both physical and cognitive recovery after SAM.