Core Ingredients of F-100 Therapeutic Milk
F-100 is a specialized formula developed to address the critical nutritional needs of patients recovering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). Its composition is carefully balanced to ensure rapid weight gain without overwhelming the patient's system. The primary ingredients can be broken down into their core nutritional functions.
Milk Powder Base
The foundation of the formula is a milk powder base, which provides a high-quality source of protein and some carbohydrates. The milk powder is typically skimmed to create a concentrated source of nutrients while balancing the formula's overall fat and protein content. The milk derivatives also contribute to the formula's texture and overall nutritional profile.
Refined Vegetable Oil
To achieve the high-energy density necessary for rapid weight gain, F-100 is fortified with refined vegetable oil. This adds a high concentration of calories from lipids, which are essential for rebuilding wasted tissues. Different vegetable oils may be used depending on the specific formulation, and they also provide essential fatty acids, including n-6 and n-3 fatty acids.
Carbohydrates and Emulsifiers
F-100 contains carbohydrates, primarily in the form of sugar and maltodextrin, which serve as easily digestible energy sources. This helps to quickly replenish the patient's energy stores. An emulsifier, such as lecithin, is also included to ensure that the fat and water-soluble components of the formula mix correctly, creating a stable, smooth liquid.
Vitamin and Mineral Premix
One of the most critical components of F-100 is the specialized vitamin and mineral premix. Malnourished individuals are often severely deficient in micronutrients, and this premix is designed to correct these deficiencies without causing adverse effects, such as the high iron content that could be harmful during initial stabilization. The precise composition can vary but typically includes a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals crucial for recovery.
Common Minerals in F-100 (per 100ml):
- Potassium: 210-270mg
- Calcium: 55-115mg
- Magnesium: 15-25mg
- Zinc: 2.0-3.0mg
- Copper: 0.25-0.35mg
- Iodine: 13-27mcg
Common Vitamins in F-100 (per 100ml):
- Vitamin A: 0.15-0.32mg
- Vitamin D3: 3.0-5.3mcg
- Vitamin E: 4-6.5mg
- Vitamin C: 9.6mg minimum
- B vitamins (Thiamine, Riboflavin, B6, B12)
- Folic acid
- Biotin
F-100 vs. F-75: Understanding the Differences
F-100 is part of a two-stage process for treating SAM, which begins with F-75. Understanding their compositional differences highlights their distinct roles in the treatment protocol. F-75 is a lower-energy, low-protein formula used in the stabilization phase, while F-100 is a high-energy, high-protein formula for the rehabilitation phase.
| Constituent | F-75 (per 100 ml) | F-100 (per 100 ml) |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 75 kcal (315 kJ) | 100 kcal (420 kJ) |
| Protein | 0.9 g | 2.9 g |
| Lactose | 1.3 g | 4.2 g |
| % Energy from Protein | 5% | 12% |
| % Energy from Fat | 32% | 53% |
| Sodium | 0.6 mmol | 1.9 mmol |
The Role of F-100 in Nutritional Rehabilitation
After a malnourished child has been stabilized and any complications addressed with F-75, the goal shifts to nutritional recovery. This is where F-100 becomes vital. The formula's high caloric and protein content helps repair and rebuild wasted body tissues, leading to rapid weight gain. Its specialized micronutrient blend helps correct the severe vitamin and mineral deficiencies common in SAM patients. This treatment is typically administered in a hospital or therapeutic feeding center under the supervision of skilled health personnel to ensure safety and effectiveness. The formula must never be distributed for unsupervised use within communities.
Conclusion: A Lifesaving Formulation
In summary, the ingredients in F-100—primarily milk powder, vegetable oil, carbohydrates, and a custom vitamin and mineral mix—are precisely chosen to create a high-energy, high-protein therapeutic diet. This composition is tailored to the specific needs of patients in the recovery phase of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). By providing a potent and balanced source of energy and micronutrients, F-100 plays a crucial, medically supervised role in nutritional rehabilitation, helping to dramatically improve survival rates for severely malnourished children. The strict use protocol and tailored ingredients underscore its function not as a regular food, but as a life-saving medical intervention.
For more detailed product specifications, refer to the UNICEF supply division's technical documents.
