Body Composition Changes in Children during Treatment for Moderate Acute Malnutrition: Findings from a 4-Arm Cluster-Randomized Trial in Sierra Leone

Background Measures that better describe “healthy” and sustainable recovery during nutritional treatment of children with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) are needed. Objectives We compared changes to body composition among children receiving 1 of 4 specialized nutritious food (SNFs) during treatment of MAM and by recovery and relapse outcomes. Methods The study was nested within a prospective, cluster-randomized, community-based, cost-effectiveness trial assessing 4 SNFs to treat children aged 6–59 mo with MAM [midupper arm circumference (MUAC) ≥11.5 cm and