Friday Dec 13, 2024
Friday Dec 13, 2024
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By Randima Attygalle
In a move to substitute ‘therapeutic food formulae’ given to patients who are tube-fed, Sri Lanka
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| Dr. Renuka Jayatissa |
Medical Research Institute (MRI) has developed a rice and pulse-based formula, branded as Booster which is to be launched soon. This locally developed food supplement Booster is another feather in the cap of the MRI, following the success of Thriposha which was developed way back in 1973.
The supplement which is in powder form is also recommended for children between one and three years as a cereal. Head of Nutrition at the MRI and the President of the Sri Lanka Medical Nutrition Association (SLMNA) Dr. Renuka Jayatissa told the Daily FT that the newly developed formula is largely to be distributed among the needy patients and children in rural areas of the island covering several provinces.
“With the dollar crunch, the imported formulas which used to be given to the patients are now restricted. If this crisis is going to be prevalent for a while, the nutrition level of patients who are tube-fed is going to be severely affected compromising their immunity levels. The recovery pace of such patients will be very slow. In addition, today we see many young children presented with malnutrition as a result of the ever-increasing food prices. If the situation is not managed, malnutrition is bound to accelerate. The new supplement Booster was developed in-house at the MRI as a means of mitigating this nutrition deficiency.”
The new supplement as Dr. Jayatissa explains contains local varieties of rice and pulses and fortified with minerals and vitamins. The MRI-developed formula is produced by the Sri Lanka Spice Council for a very nominal fee for increased affordability, she says. “Right now, SLMNA is purchasing the product from the Spice Council which is producing it at a nominal fee (only to cover the production cost), to be distributed among rural clinics and hospitals and we hope that the general public will also come forward to make purchases of its stocks to be donated among needy populations in the country,” Dr. Jayatissa notes.
The product which was researched in the MRI laboratories for the past two months was also trailed for acceptability and shelf life, says Dr. Jayatissa.
“We are now in the process of developing special recipes for the Booster, so that children between one and three years can consume it in the form of a cereal, as aggala etc. The brain development of children is most rapid between one and three years for which adequate nutrition is critical. The supplement hopes to provide at least 50% of their vitamin and mineral requirement,” says the clinical nutritionist. Along with recipes which can enhance the nutritional properties of Booster, plans are underway to introduce it to the retail market as well and the product will be nominally priced for wider affordability by the public.
