Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Evaluation of 7-day vs 1-day Packaging of Small Quantity Lipid-based Nutrition Supplementation (SQ-LNS)

This study is testing a new way to package a special peanut-based nutritional paste called SQ-LNS, given to children aged 6 to 24 months to prevent malnutrition. Currently, it comes in small daily packets. A new, larger packet holds a 7-day supply and aims to be cheaper and more environmentally friendly. The study, taking place in Ethiopia, will observe how families use this new 7-day packet compared to the current daily ones. Researchers want to find out if it's easy to use, if children get their full dose, and how it’s stored. The goal is to see if this new packaging can improve how this vital nutritional support reaches children, helping them grow healthy and strong.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of California, San Francisco

Enrolment target

100

Start

01 May 2026

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Prevention Malnutrition, Child Nutrition

What is this study about?

This study is all about helping young children, specifically those between 6 months and 2 years old, stay healthy and avoid malnutrition. Malnutrition means not getting enough of the right foods, which can cause serious health problems. To help with this, children often receive a special nutritional supplement called SQ-LNS. Think of it as a fortified peanut-based paste, packed with important nutrients.

Right now, this supplement comes in small, individual packets, enough for one day. However, a new type of packaging has been developed. This new packet is larger and holds enough of the supplement for seven days. The idea behind this new design is to make it cheaper to produce and transport, and also to reduce waste. It even has a special feature that allows parents to give the correct 10g dose at a time, and they can close it up to keep it clean and safe.

Researchers are now testing this new 7-day packaging in real-life settings in Ethiopia. They want to understand how families use it compared to the single-day packets. They will look at things like whether parents find it easy to use, if children consistently get the right amount of supplement every day, and how the new packets are stored. The information gathered from this study will help decide if this new packaging should be used more widely to help prevent malnutrition in children.

Key takeaways

Testing new, larger packaging for a children's nutritional supplement.
Aims to make the supplement more affordable and widely available.
Involves weekly home visits to understand how families use the packets.
Study lasts for 8 weeks.
Helps improve strategies to combat childhood malnutrition.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, a family must live in the specific study area in Ethiopia and be able to participate for the full 8-week period. They need to have one child between 6 and 22 months old who is generally healthy, meaning they don't have severe malnutrition or other serious illnesses that need hospital care.

It's important that the child isn't allergic to common ingredients like peanuts, milk, or soy. Also, the family shouldn't have more than one child within the 6-22 month age range to keep the study focused. The head of the household must agree in writing for their family to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Do you have one child (not more, not less) between 6 and 22 months old?
Is your child generally healthy and not severely underweight or ill?
Is your child *not* allergic to peanuts, milk, or soy?
Can your household participate for the full 8-week study period?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, your household will be involved for eight weeks. You will receive either the daily packets or the new 7-day packets of the nutritional supplement for your child. Researchers will visit your home weekly to check on how the supplement is being used. During these visits, they will ask you questions about how you’re using the packets and will also count any unused packets and collect empty ones. You might also be observed during feeding times to see how much your child receives. You'll get useful information on how to best feed your child and use the supplements.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study could offer your child a regular supply of a beneficial nutritional supplement known to help prevent malnutrition. There are no direct medical risks expected from the supplement itself, as it is a proven product. The main focus is on the packaging, not the supplement's effectiveness. You can choose to stop participating in the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your family's access to healthcare or other services.

Locations (3)

Debre Berhan University
Verified postcode
Debre Berhan, Ethiopia
Heidelberg University
Verified postcode
Heidelberg, Germany
Research Institute of Tropical Medicine
Verified postcode
Manila, Philippines

Common questions

What is SQ-LNS?

SQ-LNS is a special nutrient-rich paste, similar to a peanut butter, designed to help prevent malnutrition in young children.

Why are you testing new packaging?

The new packaging aims to be more affordable, use less material, and be easier to transport, making it more efficient to get the supplement to children who need it.

Will my child get the same nutrition?

Yes, regardless of the packaging type, your child will receive the same beneficial nutritional supplement formula.

How long will the study last?

Each family will participate in the study for a total of eight weeks.

Can I stop participating if I want to?

Yes, you are free to leave the study at any time, and it will not affect your family's care.

How to find out more

Catherine Oldenburg, ScD

catherine.oldenburg@ucsf.edu 4154761442 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.