you can do your own calculation. Typically for an inorganic refined mineral - biological absorption would be about 2% of the iron content per 100 grams in a phytate rich diet. If there are equal quantities of inorganic zinc also present - this would block about 70% of the iron which would further reduce the amount iron absorbed biologically to about 1% of the iron content. With such small quantities of plumpy fed the quantities of iron added that could be absorbed biologically - it would be impossible to deliver the quantity of iron required by even a normal non malnourished child which would require at least 1mg absorbed daily. If the source of iron for the child is only the plumpy - then the child's iron status will in fact get worse daily because if the quantity does not address the daily needs - a deficit will result daily as the reserves if any are used up.

you can do your own calculation. Typically for an inorganic refined mineral - biological absorption would be about 2% of the iron content per 100 grams in a phytate rich diet. If there are equal quantities of inorganic zinc also present - this would block about 70% of the iron which would further reduce the amount iron absorbed biologically to about 1% of the iron content. With such small quantities of plumpy fed the quantities of iron added that could be absorbed biologically - it would be impossible to deliver the quantity of iron required by even a normal non malnourished child which would require at least 1mg absorbed daily. If the source of iron for the child is only the plumpy - then the child's iron status will in fact get worse daily because if the quantity does not address the daily needs - a deficit will result daily as the reserves if any are used up.

Dear Marife, Plumpy dose is not suitable for treating moderate malnutrition. This product was designed and tested to prevent malnutrition, not to treat it. I would advise not to use it for treating malnourished children. André