Kiwi Scientists Develop Malnutrition Treatment

13 March 2006

Kiwi Scientists Develop Major New Treatment For Malnutrition.

Using groundbreaking technology developed by a local New Zealand company the New Zealand based charity, Medicine Mondiale, has developed a high quality, low cost, predigested protein formulation called Proteinforte which can be readily absorbed by malnourished and sick children.

This initiative represents a major step forward in the treatment of malnutrition in children throughout the developing world. The liquid protein can be produced from a number of food sources including beef, chicken and fish.

Mixed with natural carbohydrates the finished product is a nutritionally balanced freeze dried powder, specifically formulated for children, which is easily transported and may be adapted to regional cultural and nutritional requirements.

“Providing children in Africa with protein rich energy food supplements doesn’t solve the problem of global child malnutrition.” said Founder and CEO of Medicine Mondiale, Ray Avery. “They simply can’t digest high protein foods.”

“Children who largely live on low protein diets consisting of rice and vegetables, are often unable to digest high protein foods necessary for maintaining a healthy bodyweight.”
Malnutrition is the major cause of death of children under five who die each year throughout Africa and Asia. Malnourished children have lowered resistance to infection and disease due to low bodyweight. They are more likely to die from common ailments such as diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections and those that survive have frequent illnesses that sap their strength; locking them in to a cycle of recurring sickness.

“It was obvious to me that we need to focus on improving child nutrition rather than implementing initiatives to protect malnourished children from opportunistic diseases such as diarrhea and pneumonia,” continued Avery.

“The fantastic thing about the project,” said Ray Avery, “is that this ground breaking research has been achieved using 100% New Zealand Technology.
Clinical trials of Medicine Mondiale ProteinforteTM predigested protein formulas will commence in Nepal in April 2006.

ENDS

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