Core Macronutrient Components of F75
F75 therapeutic milk is specifically designed to provide a limited, yet crucial, nutritional profile tailored to the needs of a severely malnourished child in the critical first phase of recovery. Unlike standard milk formulas, its composition prioritizes carbohydrate-derived energy over protein and fat to prevent refeeding syndrome and stabilize the child’s fragile metabolism. The macronutrient breakdown per 100 ml of reconstituted formula typically adheres to the following guidelines:
- Carbohydrates: Providing the majority of the formula's energy, F75 contains maltodextrin and sucrose (sugar) to ensure a high carbohydrate content. A typical composition features approximately 12g of carbohydrates per 100ml, providing a rapidly available energy source.
- Fats (Lipids): Refined vegetable oil is a key fat source, offering a specific percentage of the total energy without overwhelming the compromised digestive system. The composition is balanced with essential n-6 and n-3 fatty acids, which are critical for metabolic function.
- Proteins: The formula is intentionally low in protein, typically around 1 gram per 100 ml, to avoid overwhelming the child's liver and kidneys. This low protein content is vital for preventing complications during stabilization. Skimmed milk powder or other milk derivatives serve as the primary protein source.
Essential Micronutrient Mix
In addition to the macronutrients, F75 contains a meticulously calculated vitamin and mineral premix to correct severe deficiencies without causing toxicity. This blend is critical for restoring metabolic balance and includes a limited amount of iron, as high iron levels can exacerbate infections during the initial phase of treatment. The precise levels of these micronutrients are based on World Health Organization (WHO) specifications.
List of Key Micronutrient Components:
- Potassium and Sodium: F75 contains specific levels of potassium and very low levels of sodium to correct electrolyte imbalances common in severely malnourished children.
- Magnesium: Essential for numerous metabolic processes, magnesium is included to correct deficiencies.
- Zinc: Zinc is critical for immune function and is added to support the child's weakened immune system.
- Calcium and Phosphorus: These minerals are included to support bone health and other physiological functions.
- Vitamins: The formula is enriched with a full spectrum of vitamins, including Vitamin A, C, D3, E, K, and B-complex vitamins, to address common vitamin deficiencies.
- Trace Elements: Other vital trace elements like Copper, Selenium, and Iodine are also carefully proportioned.
Comparison of F75 and F100
The table below outlines the key differences between the F75 and F100 therapeutic milk formulas, highlighting their distinct roles in the treatment of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM).
| Feature | F75 Therapeutic Milk | F100 Therapeutic Milk |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment Phase | Stabilization Phase (Phase 1) | Rehabilitation Phase (Phase 2) |
| Energy Density | 75 kcal per 100ml | 100 kcal per 100ml |
| Primary Goal | Metabolic stabilization and correction of electrolyte imbalance | Catch-up growth and weight gain |
| Protein Content | Low (approx. 1g per 100ml) | High (approx. 2.9g per 100ml) |
| Fat Content | Low-to-moderate (approx. 2.5g per 100ml) | High (approx. 6g per 100ml) |
| Carbohydrate Content | High (approx. 12g per 100ml) | Moderate (approx. 10.5g per 100ml) |
| Lactose Content | Very low | Moderate |
| Iron Content | Very low | Higher (to support catch-up growth) |
Importance of Careful Formulation
The precise composition of F75 is not arbitrary; it is the result of decades of clinical research and is guided by WHO protocols. The low protein and sodium content is vital because a severely malnourished child has a compromised ability to process these nutrients. Excessive protein or electrolytes introduced too quickly can overwhelm the child's liver and kidneys, leading to severe complications like refeeding syndrome. Therefore, the high carbohydrate load provides the necessary energy to sustain life and aid in initial recovery without causing undue metabolic stress.
Preparation and Administration
F75 is typically provided as a milk-based powdered formula that requires reconstitution with a specific amount of water to achieve the desired energy density of 75 kcal per 100ml. Strict adherence to preparation guidelines is essential to ensure the formula is not too concentrated or too diluted. F75 is administered in a hospital or therapeutic feeding center under medical supervision and is never to be given directly to families for unsupervised use. Once reconstituted, the formula must be used promptly to prevent bacterial growth.
Conclusion
Understanding the components of F75 is crucial for appreciating its role in treating severe acute malnutrition. Its specialized, low-protein, low-fat, high-carbohydrate formulation, coupled with a specific vitamin and mineral mix, is carefully calibrated for the stabilization phase of treatment. This contrasts sharply with the high-energy, high-protein F100 formula, which is used later for catch-up growth. The strict adherence to WHO protocols for F75's composition and administration underscores its importance as a life-saving medical food, designed to protect the fragile health of the most vulnerable patients and lay the groundwork for successful nutritional rehabilitation.
