In the early stages of life, micronutrients like vitamins and minerals play a critical role in growth, immunity, cognitive function, and organ development. Unlike macronutrients, namely carbohydrates, protein, and fat, micronutrients cannot directly provide energy; they act as cofactors and catalysts for almost every biological process in the body.
Children under 5 suffering from malnutrition in any form lack these key micronutrients, thereby interfering with key developmental milestones and sound health. Lack of micronutrients can be manifested as
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- Impaired immune response
- Stunted growth
- Increased susceptibility to infections
- Delayed mental and motor development
- Higher risk of death from common illnesses like diarrhoea or pneumonia
Not only do these conditions cause issues with the child’s health, but they also increase the chances of fatality. In such adverse cases, RUTF serves as a saving grace – a specifically formulated fortified mix with a precise blend of life-saving elements in each daily dose.
Key Micronutrients in RUTF and Their Functions
At Nuflower, we specialise in producing RUTF for poverty-stricken and grief-stricken populations worldwide and have immense experience helping in the fight against malnutrition.
Vitamin A
Essential for vision, immune function, and cellular growth. Deficiency can lead to blindness and a weakened immune system.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is known to support calcium absorption and bone development in young children, especially when recovering from malnutrition and bone density is compromised.
Iron
Iron deficiency is often linked to severe conditions like anemia, fatigue, and poor cognitive development. RUTF includes a bioavailable form of iron to restore haemoglobin levels and improve oxygen transport.
Zinc
Plays a major role in immune function and wound healing. Zinc supplementation through RUTF helps reduce the severity and duration of diarrheal diseases, a leading cause of death in malnourished children.
Iodine
This is a vital micronutrient for brain development. Iodine deficiency in early life can result in irreversible cognitive damage. RUTF ensures adequate iodine intake during the critical window of brain growth.
Vitamin B-complex (B1, B2, B6, B12, Niacin, Folate)
These support energy production, nervous system health, and red blood cell formation.
Calcium & Magnesium
These are essential for skeletal health, muscle contraction, and nerve function. Malnourished children have depleted stores of calcium and magnesium that can be replenished with RUTF.
Each sachet of Nuflower’s RUTF delivers:
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- 500+ kcal of energy
- A precise amount of 20+ essential vitamins and minerals
The ratios are tailored not just for replenishment, but also for bioavailability, ensuring the nutrients are easily absorbed and utilised by weakened bodies. Moreover, RUTF is designed for a two to eight-week treatment cycle, providing all necessary nutrients without needing additional food or supplements.
Beyond Survival: Micronutrients Fuel Recovery and Growth
When we use RUTF to address malnutrition and its adverse effects in children, the micronutrients do more than address deficiencies. They help reverse the damage caused by prolonged undernutrition. Within days to weeks, caregivers report improvements like:
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- Increased alertness and energy
- Weight gain and appetite return
- Reduced infections and quicker healing
- Return to normal play and interaction
RUTF gives children a second chance at life, and micronutrients prove to be the engine behind that transformation.
Malnutrition is not just a lack of calories – it’s a complex nutritional emergency that can only be solved with the right balance of micronutrients. Nuflower’s RUTF formulation proves that when we get the details right, we can radically transform health outcomes in the world’s most vulnerable populations. Every micronutrient in RUTF plays a role – and together, they’re the reason this simple-looking paste continues to save millions of lives around the globe.