Ready-to-use Supplementary Food (RUSF) and Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) are essential nutrition products designed to combat malnutrition in vulnerable populations. Both types of food are specially formulated to provide essential nutrients in convenient, ready-to-eat formats, requiring no water or cooking, making them ideal for use in emergency and low-resource settings.

RUSF is designed to prevent malnutrition, particularly in children, pregnant women, and other high-risk groups. It contains a balanced mix of vitamins, minerals, protein, fat, and carbohydrates, tailored to meet the daily nutritional needs of those at risk of becoming malnourished. It is commonly distributed in humanitarian aid situations or areas with limited access to diverse diets.

RUTF, on the other hand, is used specifically to treat severe acute malnutrition (SAM). It is energy-dense and fortified with essential micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals critical for recovery. RUTF is commonly used in community-based therapeutic programs, allowing patients, often children, to recover at home instead of in a clinical setting.

Both RUSF and RUTF play crucial roles in addressing malnutrition, helping to reduce mortality and improve overall health outcomes in populations affected by food insecurity, conflict, or natural disasters. Their ready-to-use format makes them a practical and life-saving solution.