Composition, Acceptability, and Use of Fortfied Supplementary Food for the Management of Moderate and Acute Malnutrition (MAM) in the Philippines

Abstract

Objectives: Malnutrition remains a public health problem in the Philippines, particularly among infants and young children and in time of disasters and calamities. The study aimed to develop and utilize locally available, affordable and culturally acceptable raw materials for the production of fortified supplementary foods suitable for MAM children following the international guideline. Methods: Standardization trials were done in the food laboratory to determine the most acceptable formulation and processing conditions for the production of ready-to-serve fortified complementary foods. The most acceptable formulations were tested for the physico-chemical, microbiological and sensory properties during storage study using suitable packaging materials.  Retention of the micronutrients added was assessed. The estimated shelf life of the product was also determined. The product was fed to young children to determine the serving portion size and level of acceptability. Results: The fortified complementary foods using locally available and culturally acceptable raw materials was lied very much by young children, compared with the currently available complementary foods used by development partners. The micronutrients added were retained and remained stable during one year storage period. Minimal changes in its physico-chemical, sensory and microbiological parameters were noted. Conclusions: The study concluded that fortified complementary foods is highly acceptable and can be used to help solve the persisting problem of MAM. The product is now ready for commercialization and effectiveness study.