April 9, 2026
Building Better Brains with the Malawi Study
Project Peanut Butter supports children experiencing malnutrition by producing effective nutrition interventions like RUTFs and RUSFs. This initiative, paired with ongoing research exploring choline fortification, may support better outcomes for vulnerable populations.
How Project Peanut Butter Supports Better Nutrition for Children with Malnutrition
Malnutrition affects millions of children worldwide, and Project Peanut Butter as well as the Building Better Brains study plays an essential role in developing effective nutrition interventions that support recovery. Project Peanut Butter empowers communities by producing ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTFs) and advancing research that may improve the care of children with moderate and severe acute malnutrition.
What is Project Peanut Butter and Why is Its Mission So Important?
Project Peanut Butter was established in 2004 to support children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. The organization focuses on producing locally made ready to use therapeutic foods, which are designed to support recovery through essential nutrients. As a 501 c(3) charity, its work is funded through grants and individual donations, helping reach vulnerable children across sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.
What Role Do RUTFs and RUSFs Play in Addressing Malnutrition?
Ready to use therapeutic foods (RUTFs) and ready to use supplemental foods (RUSFs) are energy dense nutrition products fortified with essential vitamins and minerals. Clinical trials led by Dr. Mark Manary demonstrated that RUTFs supported higher recovery rates compared to traditional treatments, with 75 to 95 percent of children recovering after intervention.
How does Balchem Support Project Peanut Butter and the Building Better Brains Study?
Balchem supports the ongoing Building Better Brains clinical trial conducted by Dr. Mark Manary. The study investigates the impact of adding choline to RUSFs to determine whether it may support neurodevelopment and help prevent the progression from moderate to severe acute malnutrition. Balchem contributes funding and provides VitaCholine® (choline chloride) material for the study.
How Could Choline Fortification Support Better Outcomes?
The study evaluates whether choline-fortified nutrition may support improvements in neurodevelopment scores using the Malawi Development Assessment Tool. With 2,162 children enrolled as of March 2025, findings from this research may help inform future approaches in food aid and nutritional policy.
Learn more about the project and how Balchem is supporting global nutrition initiatives as well as listen to our podcast with Dr. Manary about his choline research at the buttons below.
