Plumpy’Nut ®

Plumpy’Nut® is a high standard Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) for children which was developed by the French firm Nutriset for the treatment of severe and acute malnutrition (SAM). The product is suitable for all affected adults and children 6 months and above.

The Amharic name of Plumpy’Nut® is “Nefis Aden,” which literally means “life saviour”. The invention of Plumpy’Nut® made home treatment/ambulatory or outpatient care possible for moderate malnourished children with an appetite and without medical complications.

Even though Plumpy’Nut® can be used at home under the supervision of the mother or another member of the family, the vulnerable condition of severely malnourished children requires a health practitioner’s prescription and regular medical check-ups. Plumpy’Nut® has a two-year shelf-life and requires no water, preparation, or refrigeration. Its ease of use has made mass treatment of malnutrition in famine situations more efficient than in the past. Severe acute malnutrition has traditionally been treated with therapeutic milk and required hospitalization. Unlike milk, Plumpy’Nut® can be administered at home and without medical supervision. It also provides calories and essential nutrients that restore and maintain body weight and health in severely malnourished children more effectively than F100.

However, the vulnerable condition of severely malnourished children requires a health practitioner’s prescription and regular medical check-ups.

Plumpy’Nut^® should not be given to people who are allergic to peanuts or dairy products.