Alternative feeding protocol for acute malnutrition in young children
Official title: Effectiveness of an Alternative Protocol in the Management of Acute Malnutrition in Children Aged 6-59 Months in Burkina Faso: Reduced Dose of RUTF for SAM Children and RUTF Instead of RUSF for MAM Children
Run by Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Sante, Burkina Faso · NCT06792370 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether using ready-to-use food instead of standard foods, and lowering the amount of therapy for severe cases, can still help children recover from acute malnutrition.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 6 Months to 59 Months |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 3521 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Sante, Burkina Faso Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Ouagadougou, KADIOGO) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 26, 2025 |
| Main results expected | November 2027 |
| Study ends | November 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 23, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06792370 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Children aged 6-59 months with MAM or SAM without complications who can attend regular follow-up visits.
✕Probably not a fit
Children with medical complications, allergies to key ingredients, or residence outside the study area may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
In Burkina Faso, children aged 6-59 months with acute malnutrition are randomized to three groups for moderate malnutrition (MAM) and two groups for severe malnutrition (SAM) to compare alternative RUTF/RUSF feeding strategies. The trial follows up to 12 weeks of supplementation with weekly or biweekly visits, plus monthly post-programme follow-up to assess sustained recovery and other outcomes. Outcomes include programmatic recovery, cost-effectiveness, psychomotor development in a subsample, weight and height changes, and relapse incidence. Adherence and safety are monitored through caregiver reports and routine measurements.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the protocol could simplify treatment, potentially reduce costs, and maintain recovery and growth in children with acute malnutrition.
How similar studies have gone: Previous nutrition trials have explored Ready-to-Use Foods and dose adjustments, with mixed but promising results for non-inferiority in recovery.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
1. MAM
Inclusion Criteria:
* Anthropometric measures:
* (115 mm ≤ MUAC\< 125 mm and -3 SDs ≤ WLZ \< -2 SDs) OR
* (115 mm ≤ MUAC\< 125 mm and WLZ ≥ -2 SDs) OR
* (MUAC ≥ 125 mm and -3 SDs ≤ WLZ \< -2 SDs).
* Age: 6 to 59 months
* Parents' acceptance of biweekly visits until programme discharge and monthly visits for the post-programme follow up
Exclusion Criteria:
* Failure of appetite test
* Medical complications requiring hospital treatment
* Presence of any congenital anomaly or underlying chronic disease that may affect growth or the risk of infection
* Presence of bilateral oedema
* History of allergies to peanuts, milk, or soya
* Relapse from MAM treatment or transfer from SAM treatment
* Children who have recently (\<2 months) taken part in a nutrition programme;
* Residence outside the study area
* Mother or caregivers deemed unable to comply with the necessary requirements of the study (particular medical condition of the mother or caregivers, etc.)
2. SAM
Inclusion Criteria:
* Anthropometric measures MUAC\< 115 mm or WLZ\< - 3 SDs;
* Age: 6-59 months;
* Parents' acceptance of weekly visits until programme discharge and monthly visits for the post-programme follow up.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Failure of appetite test
* Medical complications requiring hospital treatment
* Presence of any congenital anomaly or underlying chronic disease that may affect growth or the risk of infection
* Presence of bilateral oedema
* History of allergies to peanuts, milk or soya
* Relapse from MAM treatment or transfer from SAM treatment
* Children who have recently (\<2 months) taken part in a nutrition programme;
* Residence outside the study area;
* Mother or caregivers deemed unable to comply with the necessary requirements of the study (particular medical condition of the mother or caregivers, etc.)
Where it's running
-
Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé
Ouagadougou, Kadiogo, Burkina Faso Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Hermann Biènou LANOU, MD., PhD
- Email: hlanou@yahoo.ca
- Phone: +226 66557580
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.