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Nutrix is a novel lipid-based Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) specifically formulated for the nutritional rehabilitation of children from six months of age and adults suffering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM).

Nutrix is made from locally available ingredients (e.g. mung beans, soybeans, and rice) and small indigenous fish. Nutrix has been shown to be acceptable among caregivers and their children [1] and is effective in treating SAM in Cambodia [2]. Nutrix is packed with 14 wafers per package (a total of 182 grams).

Nutrix does not require any preparation prior to consumption, and it can be consumed directly from the package.

Nutrix must be consumed together with breastmilk or clean drinking water to prevent dehydration of the child. It is highly recommended that the caregiver and child wash their hands with water and soap prior to handling the product and consumption.

The nutrition composition of Nutrix follows the WHO/WFP/UNSSCN/UNICEF joint statement on Community-based Management of Severe Acute Malnutrition very close [4]. Nutrix is a locally produced RUTF adjusted to the taste and preferences of the Cambodian population with a favourable fatty acid composition by using small fish. All added vitamins and minerals comply with Codex Alimentations CACUGL 10.

The shelf life is a minimum of 12 months from the manufacturing date when stored below 26˚C in a dry place. Use Nutrix within 24 hours after opening the sachet.

Advantages of using Nutrix:

Sustainable and made by local resources
Adapted to local taste and preferences
Can be consumed by individuals with lactose intolerance
Many different flavours
Reduced cost of the product - ~20% less than standard imported RUTFs

Nutrix is used during the rehabilitation phase of SAM among children above six months of age. Nutrix can be used at home as a part of the community-based management of children with SAM.

Nutrix is NOT a replacement for breastfeeding or a varied and nutritious diet. Children are still recommended to breastfeed for at least 24 months and exclusively breastfeed for the first 6 months of their life.

One package with 182 grams of Nutrix contains 941 kcal. The recommended calories for rehabilitation is 150-220 kcal/kg/day [3].

The food ration of Nutrix given to the child is based on an intake of ~220-300 kcal/kg/day and is as follows:

Food ratio during treatment of SAM is based on the child’s weight.

Weight(kg)	Nutrix
Weight(kg)	Wafers per day	Packages per week
3.0 - 3.4	13	7
5.0 - 6.9	20	10
7.0 - 9.9	33	17
10.0 - 13.9	47	24
14.0 – 19.0	65	33
3.0 - 3.4	13	7

NOTE: Nutrix should not be provided to individuals who are allergic to fish/shellfish, egg, soybeans, or mung beans.

Sigh, S., Roos, N., Sok, D., Borg, B., Chamnan, C., Laillou, A., Dijkhuizen, M.A., and Wieringa, F.T. (2018). Development and acceptably of locally made fish-based, ready-to-use products for the prevention and treatment of malnutrition in Cambodia. Food and Nutrition Bulletin.
Sigh, S., Roos, N., Chamnan, C., Laillou, A., Prak, S., and Wieringa, F.T. (2018). Effectiveness of a locally produced, fish-based food product on weight gain among Cambodian children in the treatment of acute malnutrition; A randomized controlled trial. Nutrients 2018;10:909. DOI:10.3390/nu10070909.
WHO, UNICEF, and SCN. Informal Consultation on Community-Based Management of Severe Malnutrition in Children (2006). SCN Nutrition Policy Paper No. 21. Food and Nutrition Bulletin.
WHO, WFP, SCN, and UNICEF. Community-based management of severe acute malnutrition, 2007.
WHO and FAO. Codex Alimentarius commission. 2015.

RUTF - Nutrix

Advantages of using Nutrix:

The food ration of Nutrix given to the child is based on an intake of ~220-300 kcal/kg/day and is as follows: