Protein-rich teething rusk to help stop children suffering Kwashiorkor

Two food technology students from RMIT University, Australia, who developed a teething rusk for malnourished children in developing countries have won a national award.

Georgina Perry and Michelle Loomes came up with the protein-rich teething rusk to help stop children suffering Kwashiorkor, which occurs when children's diets consist of mainly starchy foods, but are deficient in certain amino acids.

The fortified cereal bar is designed to stop the onset of this type of protein-energy malnutrition prevalent in countries in South-East Asia and Africa.

Ms Perry and Ms Loomes said they were pleased to be selected as winners of The Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology's '2004 Student Product Development Award', sponsored by Earlee Products.

They identified a need for a compact, nutrient-dense food for weaned children at risk of Kwashiorkor and decided that a rusk was the best option, Ms Perry said.

"The rusk provides 100 per cent of the daily intake of protein, vitamin A and iron recommended to prevent the disorder in infants," Ms Loomes said. "Adding protein to their diets is particularly important because of their high energy and protein needs and their vulnerability to infection."

Professor of Food Technology at RMIT University, Professor Andrew Halmos, said the students' design showed initiative and had now been recognised on a national scale. "The product concept was totally their idea and I'm really proud of the outcome."

He added that the program at RMIT was unique because its fourth year was based on courses of product development and production planning (simulation) to give students special experience and prepare them for industry.

"These two students have taken the opportunity to test their skills and concept in a competitive environment," Professor Halmos said.

Professor Halmos said he could see the rusk being used in third world countries if business development and marketing was successfully achieved in the future.

http://www.rmit.edu.au