Evaluating the Relative Effectiveness of Two Supplemental Foods for the Treatment of Moderate Acute Malnutrition in Children 6 to 60 Months of Age in Southern Ethiopia

The purpose of this cluster-randomized equivalence trial was to investigate the effectiveness of two supplemental foods in children with moderate malnutrition by comparing: (i) time to recovery by survival analysis, and (ii) recovery rates (after 16 weeks of treatment). A total of 2,600 children 6-60 months of age were randomized by cluster (district) to receive 16 weeks of conventional (Corn-Soya Blended flour, CSB) or intervention (Ready-to-Use Supplemental Food, RUSF) foods. Overall, time to recovery from malnutrition (mean 74 days) and recovery rates (mean 76%) were equivalent with both foods. The time to recovery outcomes were equivalent, independent of location, whereas the recovery rate in children receiving CSB was significantly higher in the more food insecure southern region. Intra-household food sharing was significantly higher in the CSB group compared to RUSF. Overall, the response to the two different supplemental foods was equivalent for the treatment of moderately malnourished children in Ethiopia.MAS