Core Ingredients of F-75 Milk
At its core, F-75 is a powdered therapeutic milk formula designed to be reconstituted with water. The precise combination of its ingredients is vital for its role in the treatment of severe acute malnutrition (SAM). The primary components are formulated to be gentle on a compromised metabolic system while providing essential energy and micronutrients, with a very low amount of iron to avoid complications.
Milk Powder
The foundation of the formula is milk powder, which can be either skimmed or a mix of other dairy powders. This provides a modest amount of high-quality protein and dairy-based components critical for rehydration and metabolic stability in the initial phase of treatment.
Carbohydrates
F-75 is a carbohydrate-dense formula, providing a significant portion of its calories from carbohydrates. This is key to addressing hypoglycemia, a common and dangerous symptom in severely malnourished children. The main carbohydrate sources include maltodextrin and saccharose.
Vegetable Oils
Refined vegetable oil is a crucial ingredient, providing a source of energy in the form of lipids. This fat content is carefully balanced to support the child's energy needs without overwhelming their weakened digestive system.
Emulsifier
An emulsifier, such as lecithin, is included to ensure the powdered ingredients mix smoothly with water. This helps prevent the fat content from separating, ensuring the child receives a consistent dose of nutrients with each feeding.
Vitamin and Mineral Premix
One of the most critical aspects of F-75 is the inclusion of a specialized vitamin and mineral premix. This fortified mix is low in iron to prevent oxidative stress and bacterial growth during the initial treatment phase, focusing instead on minerals like potassium, magnesium, and zinc.
The Role of F-75 in Malnutrition Treatment
F-75 is not a standard formula for well-nourished children or for long-term weight gain. Its specific low-protein, low-fat, and low-sodium composition, combined with a high carbohydrate content, is perfectly calibrated for the metabolic needs of a child in the stabilization phase (Phase 1) of SAM. This phase focuses on correcting electrolyte imbalances, treating infections, and restoring metabolic function, not rapid weight gain. Once a child is stabilized and their appetite returns, they are typically transitioned to a higher-protein, higher-energy formula like F-100 to promote catch-up growth.
F-75 Milk vs. Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF)
| Feature | F-75 Therapeutic Milk | RUTF (e.g., Plumpy'Nut®) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Initial stabilization phase of SAM | Rehabilitation phase and outpatient treatment of SAM |
| Energy Density | Lower (approx. 75 kcal per 100ml) | Higher (approx. 520–550 kcal per 100g) |
| Composition | Liquid-based, lower in protein/fat | Paste-based, higher in protein/fat |
| Treatment Setting | Requires inpatient medical supervision | Can be used in a community or home setting |
| Medical State | For fragile metabolic state with complications | For stabilized patients without complications |
How the Ingredients Work for Stabilization
During severe malnutrition, a child's organs are at risk of refeeding syndrome if fed too aggressively with high-protein and high-fat foods. The carefully balanced ingredients of F-75 mitigate this risk. The low protein and sodium levels prevent stress on the kidneys and liver, while the high carbohydrate content provides easily digestible energy. The specialized vitamin and mineral mix corrects dangerous electrolyte imbalances that are common in SAM patients. By managing these core issues, F-75 prepares the child's body for the next stage of recovery.
Conclusion
F-75 milk is a specially formulated, low-iron therapeutic diet essential for the initial stabilization of children with severe acute malnutrition. Its key ingredients—skim milk powder, vegetable oils, maltodextrin, saccharose, and a custom vitamin and mineral blend—are designed to address acute metabolic and electrolytic imbalances under strict medical supervision. It is a lifesaving medical food, distinct from recovery-phase foods like F-100, and is a cornerstone of international humanitarian feeding protocols. Its use represents a cautious, but critical, step in reversing the effects of severe malnutrition and setting the stage for full nutritional recovery.
Visit Nutriset for more information on the development of therapeutic foods like F-75.
