What is F-75 Therapeutic Formula?
F-75 is a therapeutic milk-based diet designed specifically for the initial phase of treating severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in children, typically those over six months old. The "75" in its name refers to its energy density of approximately 75 kilocalories (kcal) per 100 milliliters (ml). This specialized formulation is a critical component of the World Health Organization's (WHO) protocol for managing SAM. It is not a standard infant formula but a medically prescribed intervention used exclusively in hospital or therapeutic feeding centers.
The Importance of the Stabilization Phase
Children with severe acute malnutrition are in a fragile physiological state, often presenting with complications like infections, liver failure, and severe edema. Their metabolism is compromised, and their bodies cannot tolerate the high amounts of protein, fat, and sodium found in standard diets or formulas intended for weight gain. The primary purpose of the F-75 formula is to safely restore the body's metabolic functions and correct critical electrolyte imbalances, such as low potassium and magnesium. This gentle refeeding approach prevents refeeding syndrome, a potentially fatal shift in fluids and electrolytes that can occur when severely malnourished patients are fed too aggressively.
F-75 vs. F-100: A Critical Comparison
The therapeutic treatment of SAM involves a two-phase process, with F-75 being the first step. The second phase, focusing on rapid weight gain, uses a different formula, F-100. The differences in their nutritional profile are critical for their specific roles.
| Feature | F-75 Formula | F-100 Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Energy (kcal/100ml) | ~75 kcal | ~100 kcal |
| Protein (g/100ml) | ~0.9 g | ~2.9 g |
| Purpose | Stabilization and rehydration | Catch-up weight gain |
| Treatment Phase | Phase 1 (Initial) | Phase 2 (Rehabilitation) |
| Primary Goal | Correct metabolism and electrolytes | Promote rapid growth and weight gain |
| Iron Content | Very low (max 0.05 mg/100ml) | Higher (though details vary) |
| Sodium Content | Low (max 17 mg/100ml) | Higher (max 80 mg/100ml) |
Key Ingredients and Preparation
F-75 is typically a milk-based product, available in pre-mixed liquid form or as a powder to be reconstituted. The key ingredients are carefully balanced to meet the fragile metabolic needs of the patient:
- Milk Powder: Often skimmed milk powder, providing protein and other micronutrients.
- Carbohydrates: Maltodextrin and saccharose are used to provide the necessary energy source.
- Vegetable Oils: Added fats contribute to the overall energy density.
- Vitamin and Mineral Premix: A specialized mix that addresses the critical micronutrient deficiencies common in SAM.
- Electrolytes: The formula includes specific concentrations of potassium, magnesium, and other minerals to correct imbalances.
Correct preparation is paramount to ensure the formula is not too dilute or too concentrated. It must be prepared hygienically, typically by mixing the powder with boiled and cooled water. The specific recipe and mixing instructions must be followed exactly to maintain the intended nutritional composition.
F-75's Role in Nutritional Rehabilitation
The stabilization phase with F-75 typically lasts for a specific duration determined by the medical team, depending on the child's response to treatment. During this period, the medical team monitors the patient's vitals, checks for the resolution of edema, and watches for the return of appetite. The return of appetite is a key sign that the child is ready to transition to the next phase of treatment.
Once stabilized, the patient is transitioned to F-100 formula or a Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), such as Plumpy'Nut®. These higher-energy products facilitate the crucial catch-up growth phase, where the child rapidly regains weight. The F-75 formula thus serves as a bridge, preparing the child's body to safely receive the nutrition it needs for recovery.
Medical Supervision is Non-Negotiable
It is imperative that F-75 be used only under the supervision of skilled health personnel in a hospital or therapeutic feeding center. This formula is not suitable for feeding well-nourished children and should never be distributed directly to families or communities. Its low protein and fat content, while necessary for initial stabilization, are inadequate for healthy growth over the long term. For comprehensive guidelines on the management of severe acute malnutrition, consult the WHO Guidelines.
Conclusion
In summary, what exactly is an F-75 formula is best understood as a life-saving medical intervention, not a conventional food product. Its low-nutrient, high-carbohydrate profile is perfectly adapted for the metabolic needs of the severely malnourished and critically ill child during the initial stabilization phase. By correcting electrolyte imbalances and normalizing metabolism, F-75 lays the essential groundwork for successful nutritional recovery, allowing the child to eventually transition to higher-energy diets and begin the process of catch-up growth.
