What is F-75 Therapeutic Formula?
F-75 is a liquid therapeutic diet, typically provided as a powder to be reconstituted with water. It is an essential medical food used in hospitals and therapeutic feeding centers during the first, or stabilization, phase of treatment for children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM). In this critical stage, a child's metabolism is fragile and their bodily functions are severely compromised, making high-protein and high-fat foods dangerous. The F-75 formula is intentionally low in protein and sodium and high in carbohydrates, providing sufficient energy to support rehydration and restore metabolic function without overwhelming the patient's system. Once stabilized, typically after 2 to 7 days, the patient can transition to a higher-energy formula like F-100 for rapid weight gain.
Core Ingredients of Commercial F-75
The standard, commercially produced F-75 formula from organizations like UNICEF and Nutriset includes several key components to meet the World Health Organization's (WHO) specifications.
Macronutrients
- Milk Powder: Provides the low-level, high-quality dairy protein necessary for metabolic repair. Commercial preparations may use skim milk powder, whole milk powder, or other dairy derivatives.
- Vegetable Oils: Added fats are supplied via refined vegetable oils. They provide a source of energy and essential fatty acids, carefully balanced to avoid upsetting the fragile digestive system.
- Carbohydrates: Maltodextrin and saccharose (sugar) are the main carbohydrate sources, delivering the majority of the formula's energy. This high-carbohydrate, low-fat energy profile is ideal for the stabilization phase.
Micronutrients
- Vitamin and Mineral Premix: The formula is fortified with a specialized blend of vitamins and minerals designed to correct severe electrolyte imbalances common in malnourished children. Key micronutrients include:
- Minerals: Potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, selenium, and iodine. The formula is intentionally low in iron during this phase to avoid complicating potential infections.
- Vitamins: A, D3, E, K, C, and a full spectrum of B vitamins like thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, B6, B12, folic acid, and biotin.
- Emulsifier: An emulsifier, such as lecithin, is included to ensure the fats remain uniformly mixed throughout the liquid formula.
Homemade F-75 Alternatives
In situations where commercially prepared F-75 is unavailable, the WHO provides recipes for local preparation. These recipes vary slightly depending on available ingredients but typically consist of:
- Dried skimmed or whole milk powder
- Sugar (saccharose)
- Vegetable oil
- Sometimes cereal flour (like maize or rice flour), though this may increase viscosity
- A specific mineral-electrolyte mix
- Water
These homemade versions require careful and hygienic preparation to ensure the correct nutritional and osmotic balance is achieved, which can be challenging to replicate accurately in the field. For this reason, the use of commercial, pre-packed formulations is the preferred option when possible.
Comparison of F-75 and F-100 Therapeutic Milk
F-75 and F-100 are both therapeutic milks but are designed for different phases of malnutrition treatment. The table below highlights their key differences based on WHO specifications.
| Constituent | F-75 (per 100 ml) | F-100 (per 100 ml) |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | Approx. 75 kcal | Approx. 100 kcal |
| Protein | Low (approx. 0.9–1.5 g) | Higher (approx. 2.9–4 g) |
| Fat | Low (approx. 2–3 g) | High (approx. 5.5–6.5 g) |
| Carbohydrates | High (approx. 10.5–14 g) | Lower (approx. 10.5–14 g) |
| Sodium | Low (max. 17 mg) | Higher (max. 60 mg) |
| Lactose | Low (max. 1.4 g) | Higher (max. 4.2 g) |
| Use | Stabilization phase | Rehabilitation phase |
Conclusion
F-75 is a specially designed, low-protein, low-sodium, and high-carbohydrate therapeutic milk formulated to stabilize critically ill children with severe acute malnutrition during the initial phase of treatment. Its core ingredients include milk powder, vegetable oil, carbohydrates, and a crucial vitamin and mineral blend. The deliberate nutritional profile helps to correct electrolyte imbalances and metabolic issues without overloading the patient's compromised system. While homemade recipes exist for use when commercial products are unavailable, they require meticulous preparation. F-75's purpose is distinct from the recovery formula F-100, and it must be administered under strict medical supervision in a therapeutic setting. For more information on the WHO's management protocols, see the official guidelines.
