An energy-dense complementary food is associated with a modest increase in weight gain when compared with a fortified porridge in Malawian children aged 6-18 months

Poor complementary feeding practices are associated with stunting and growth faltering throughout the developing world. The objective was to compare the effect of using peanut-/soy-based fortified spread (FS) and corn porridge fortified with fish powder (FP) as complementary foods on growth in rural Malawian children. A total of 240 children were enrolled at the age of 6 mo and randomized to receive FS or FP. Both complementary foods provided 836 kJ/d from 6 to 9 mo of age and 1254 kJ/d from 9 to 18 mo of age. Children were followed monthly for anthropometry and fortnightly for the symptoms of fever, cough, or diarrhea until they were 18 mo old. Zn and Se status were assessed at 6 and 12 mo. The primary outcomes were the rates of weight and length gain from 6-12 mo and from 12-18 mo. Children who received FS gained 110 g more (95% CI 220 to 10) from 6-12 mo of age than children receiving FP. Weight gain did not differ between children receiving FS and FP between 12 and 18 mo of age, nor did statural growth from 6 to 12 mo or 12 to 18 mo. A total of 23% of all children were Zn deficient at 6 mo of age and this increased to 37% at 12 mo of age. Neither FS nor FP was associated with significantly improved Zn status. FS was associated with better weight gain from 6-12 mo of age and may be useful in conjunction with additional interventions to improve infant growth in the developing world.     

Effects of energy density and feeding frequency of complementary foods on total daily energy intakes and consumption of breast milk by healthy breastfed Bangladeshi children

BACKGROUND: Information is needed on the minimum energy density and feeding frequency of complementary foods that can provide adequate energy intakes (EIs) for healthy breastfed children. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to evaluate the effects of various energy densities and feeding frequencies of complementary foods on EI from these foods, breast milk consumption, and total EI from both sources. DESIGN: During 9 separate, randomly ordered dietary periods lasting 3-6 d each, we measured intakes of food and breast milk by 18 healthy breastfed children 8-11 mo of age who, 3, 4, or 5 times/d, were fed porridge with a coded energy density of 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 kcal/g. Food intake was measured by weighing the feeding bowl before and after meals, and breast milk intake was measured by test weighing. RESULTS: The mean amounts of complementary foods consumed were inversely related to their energy density and positively related to the number of meals/d (P < 0.001 for both); EIs from foods were positively related to both factors. Breast milk intake decreased slightly but progressively, with greater energy density and feeding frequency of complementary foods; total EIs (kcal/d) increased in relation to both factors (P < 0.001 for both). CONCLUSIONS: The energy density and feeding frequency of complementary foods affect infants' total daily EI and breast milk consumption. Recommendations can be developed for the appropriate combinations of these dietary factors that are compatible with adequate EI, although longer-term effects of complementary feeding practices on breast milk intake and breastfeeding duration need further community-based studies.     

Fortified complementary foods with or without alpha-amylase treatment increase hemoglobin but do not reduce breast milk intake of 9-mo-old Zambian infants

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition in late infancy in developing countries may result from poor-quality complementary foods that displace breast milk. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess the effects of fortified complementary blends of different energy densities on growth, hemoglobin concentrations, and breast milk intake of 9-mo-old Zambian infants. DESIGN: Infants were randomly assigned at 6 mo of age to receive for 3 mo a fortified blend of maize, beans, bambaranuts, and groundnuts [Chilenje Baby Mix (CBM); energy density: 68 kcal/100 g; n = 37] or a similar blend with alpha-amylase (CBMA; energy density: 106 kcal/100 g; n = 44). Cross-sectional data were obtained at 9 mo for a control group of infants (n = 69) not given the diets. Breast milk intake was measured by using the dose-to-the-mother deuterium dilution technique. RESULTS: No differences in weight or length z scores, all of which were within normal ranges, were seen between groups at 9 mo. Percentage fat mass was significantly (P = 0.01) greater in the infants in both the CBM (23.2 +/- 2.7%) and CBMA (23.4 +/- 2.5%) groups than in the control group (21.6 +/- 2.6%). Hemoglobin concentrations were significantly (P = 0.03) greater in both intervention groups (CBM group: 104 +/- 12 g/L: CBMA group: 103 +/- 12 g/L) than in the control group (98 +/- 14 g/L). Breast milk intake was not significantly (P = 0.87) different between groups (CBM group: 614 +/- 271 g/d; CBMA group: 635 +/- 193 g/d; control group: 653 +/- 221 g/d). CONCLUSIONS: The study foods improved hemoglobin concentrations without reducing breast milk intake and may be used to improve the nutritional status of infants in developing countries.     

Complementary feeding with cow's milk alters sleeping metabolic rate in breast-fed infants

Although it is widely accepted that energy expenditure in infants is a function of feeding pattern, the mechanism behind this is not well understood. The objectives of this observational study were as follows: 1) to compare minimal observable energy expenditure (MOEE) between 2 subgroups of breast-fed infants, a BM group in which breast milk was the only source of milk and a BCM group given cow's milk in addition to breast milk; and 2) to identify potential mediators of a feeding pattern effect. For this purpose, infants were classified by feeding group on the basis of a mother's recall. Respiration calorimetry was used to measure MOEE in 62 infants (n = 35 BM, n = 27 BCM) aged 8.7 mo in Pelotas, southern Brazil. Breast-milk intake was measured using deuterium oxide, complementary food intake by 1-d food weighing, total energy expenditure and total body water using doubly labeled water; anthropometric indices were calculated. MOEE was 1672 +/- 175 kJ/d in BM compared with 1858 +/- 210 kJ/d in BCM infants (P < 0.001). Mass-specific MOEE was 201 +/- 24.6 and 216 +/- 31.9 kJ/(kg . d) in BM and BCM infants, respectively (P = 0.041). MOEE (kJ/d) was mediated by protein intake and fat-free mass (R(2) = 41.4%). We conclude that complementary feeding with cow's milk alters the sleeping metabolic rate in breast-fed infants. These findings deserve attention in relation to "metabolic programming" and the development of obesity later in life.     

Age of introduction of complementary foods and growth of term, low-birth-weight, breast-fed infants: a randomized intervention study in Honduras

BACKGROUND: The optimal age at which to introduce complementary foods is a topic of considerable debate. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate this issue in a nutritionally vulnerable population in Honduras. DESIGN: Mothers of low-birth-weight (1500-2500 g) term (ie, small-for-gestational-age) infants were recruited in the hospital and assisted with exclusive breast-feeding during the first 4 mo. At 4 mo, mothers were randomly assigned to either continue exclusive breast-feeding to 6 mo (EBF; n = 59) or to feed complementary solid foods (jarred rice cereal, chicken, and fruit and vegetables) twice daily from 4 to 6 mo while continuing to breast-feed at their initial frequency (SF; n = 60). At 4 and 6 mo, breast milk and total energy intake were measured for a nonrandom subsample (those who could stay overnight in a central unit: 32 EBF and 31 SF). RESULTS: At 4 mo, breast milk intake in the subsample was not significantly different between groups (EBF: 729 +/- 135 g/d; SF: 683 +/- 151 g/d: P >0.2); from 4 to 6 mo it increased (by 28 g/d) in the EBF group but decreased (by 39 g/d) in the SF group (P < 0.005). Nonetheless, total energy intake (including solid foods) increased more from 4 to 6 mo in the SF than in the EBF group. However, there were no significant differences between groups in weight or length gain during the intervention or subsequently (6-12 mo). CONCLUSION: There was no growth advantage of complementary feeding of small-for-gestational-age, breast-fed infants between 4 and 6 mo of age.     

Low nutrient intakes among infants in rural Bangladesh are attributable to low intake and micronutrient density of complementary foods

We assessed the adequacy of nutrient intakes of 135 rural Bangladeshi breast-fed infants 6-12 mo of age and examined nutritional trade-offs due to possible displacement of breast milk by complementary foods. Observers completed 12-h daytime measurements of breast milk and complementary food intakes; data for the previous 12 h were obtained from maternal recall, yielding estimates of total 24-h intakes. On average, infants were mildly wasted (mean +/- SD weight-for-length Z-score = -0.92 +/- 0.88) and moderately stunted (length-for-age Z-score = -1.49 +/- 0.96). Total energy intakes at 6-8 and 9-12 mo were 88 and 86% of absolute energy requirements (kJ/d), 106 and 105% of requirements per kg body weight, and 97 and 94% of requirements per kg median weight-for-length, respectively. Breast milk contributed 78% of energy intake at 6-8 mo and 75% at 9-12 mo. Mean meal frequency and energy density of complementary foods were generally consistent with recommendations, but only small amounts of food were offered. Nevertheless, only 72% of the food energy offered was consumed. Total energy intake was positively correlated with meal frequency, quantity consumed per meal, and energy intake from breast milk, but not with energy density of complementary foods. Energy intake from complementary foods was inversely related to energy intake from breast milk. The diets fell short of recommended intakes for numerous vitamins and minerals. We conclude that although greater intakes of complementary foods were associated with higher total energy intake, micronutrient intake remained low due to the low micronutrient density of the complementary foods consumed and the partial displacement of breast milk.     

Effects of early extra fluid and food intake on breast milk consumption and infant nutritional status at 5 months of age in an urban and a rural area of Burkina Faso

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of early extra fluid and food intake on breast milk consumption and the effects of food intake on 5-month-old infant nutritional status. DESIGN: Cross-sectional surveys. Infants were selected by random choice. SETTINGS: Urban and rural Burkina Faso. SUBJECTS: A total of 97 urban and 69 rural infants were recruited, but 67 and 51, respectively, completed the surveys. Infant selection criteria were: age (5 +/- 0.5-month old), thriving, breastfed, having Burkinabè parents in study area for a year, study conditions accepted by parents. INTERVENTION: Surveys were conducted respectively in January and February 2001 (urban), and 2002 (rural) during the cool season. They were performed by home visit. With the help of health workers and traditional midwives, families were informed of the studies' objectives and gave agreement. Food intakes were estimated by test-weighing for breast milk and precise weighing techniques for other foods. Socioeconomic status of households, anthropometry of infants and mothers were also recorded. Breast milk samples were collected from each mother's breast and analysed for lipid and fatty acid concentrations. RESULTS: Daily breast milk intake did not differ between urban (776 +/- 262 g) and rural areas (835 +/- 265 g). Porridge intake was, respectively, 128 +/- 105 and 96 +/- 49 g. Median extra fluid intake was, respectively, 79 and 122 g. In both areas, porridge and fluid intake had no effect on breast milk consumption. In urban areas, infant nutritional status at 5 months was better than at birth. CONCLUSION: Breast milk intake and nutritional status of predominantly breastfed infants at 5 months of age, living in both urban and rural settings, were not affected by the consumption of extra fluid or food intake.     

Nonbreast-fed HIV-1-exposed Burkinabe infants have low energy intake between 6 and 11 months of age despite free access to infant food aid

In a WHO-coordinated, mother-to-child HIV transmission (MTCT) prevention trial in Burkina Faso, HIV-1-infected mothers were advised to either stop breast-feeding by 6 mo or totally avoid it. Participants were provided with cereal-based, infant fortified mix (IFM) from 6 to 12 mo postpartum along with infant feeding counseling. Our objective was to describe nonbreast-fed infants' food consumption and adequacy of nutrient intake. A 1-d weighed food record and one 24-h dietary recall were performed in 68 nonbreast-fed, non-HIV-infected 6- to 11-mo-old infants. Mean food energy density and feeding frequency were satisfactory in 6-8 mo olds [0.8 ± 0.2 kcal/g (3.3 ± 0.9 kJ/g) and 7.2 ± 1.6 times/d] and in 9-11 mo olds [0.9 ± 0.2 kcal/g (3.6 ± 0.8 kJ/g) and 7.7 ± 2.1 times/d]. Median energy intake was 523 kcal [range: 82-1053 (2187 kJ, range: 345-4401)] in 6-8- and 811 kcal [range: 34-1543 (3392 kJ, range: 144-6452)] in 9-11-mo-old infants, respectively. Approximately 75% of their energy intake was provided by subsidized foods (milk that mothers obtained from support networks and IFM). One-half of the infants had intakes < 80 kcal/kg (<334 kJ/kg) on the day of the survey, mainly because IFM and milk were consumed in amounts that were too low. Thus, coverage of energy needs required a diet with sufficient amounts of both IFM and milk in these vulnerable infants. These findings argue for the development of adequate, sustainable infant fortified foods and their rapid integration into MTCT prevention services. They also lend support to the recent revision of WHO infant feeding guidance for future MTCT prevention programming that recommends breast-feeding up to 12 mo postpartum (under cover of antiretroviral prophylaxis) as the safest feeding option for infants of HIV-infected mothers.     

Effects of varied energy density of complementary foods on breast-milk intakes and total energy consumption by healthy, breastfed Bangladeshi children

BACKGROUND: Information is needed to design studies of the effects of complementary feeding regimens on children's intakes of complementary foods (CFs) and breast milk. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the effects of varied energy density of CFs on the time until stabilization of dietary intakes and on total daily energy intakes (EIs) and breast-milk intakes. DESIGN: CFs with low [0.4 kcal/g (LD)] and high [1.5 kcal/g (HD)] energy density were fed 3 times/d to 10 children (aged 9-18 mo) during 2 randomly assigned sequences of three 8-d diet periods (HD-LD-HD or LD-HD-LD) along with ad libitum breastfeeding. CF and breast-milk intakes were measured. RESULTS: Intakes of the HD diet and breast milk did not vary by day of period, but intake of the LD diet increased progressively. During days 5-7 of the last 2 diet periods in each sequence, more of the LD than of the HD diet was consumed (752 +/- 252 and 439 +/- 111 g/d, respectively; P < 0.001), but EIs from CFs were greater with the HD diet. Breast-milk consumption was slightly less (192 +/- 115 and 234 +/- 121 g/d, respectively; P = 0.03) but total daily EI was greater (774 +/- 175 and 441 +/- 85 kcal/d, respectively; P < 0.001) during the HD than during the LD diet period. CONCLUSIONS: New information on the effects of newly introduced diets on daily intakes of these diets and of breast milk can be used to design future studies. Total daily EIs were greater with the HD diet despite its negative effects on breast-milk intakes.     

Proposed vitamin a fortification levels

Fortified complementary foods could be effective in preventing and controlling vitamin A and other common nutritional deficiencies in young children. Milk from well-nourished women is an excellent source of vitamin A. However, in Latin America many children are weaned prematurely and must receive the entire requirement of vitamin A from food. This paper proposes vitamin A fortification levels for foods targeted for children aged 6-23 mo to meet the existing intake gap among both breast-fed and weaned infants and young children. Estimates assume a nonsignificant contribution of common complementary foods and average levels of human milk intake by breast-fed infants and children. The estimated vitamin A gap for breast-fed infants aged 6-11 mo amounts to 63-92 microg RE [16-23% of recommended daily intake (RDI)] and for breast-fed children reaches 125 microg RE (31% of RDI). Weaned infants and children would have to fully meet the RDI (400 microg RE) from complementary foods. A fortified complementary food with 500 mg RE/100 g of dry product provided daily in a single ration of 40 g would meet 50% of the gap for weaned infants aged 6-11 mo and would raise the total intake above RDI for breast-fed infants aged 6-8 mo (125%) and 9-11 mo (127%). The same fortified food given in a daily ration of 60 mg would meet most of the gap (75%) for weaned children aged 12-23 mo and would increase total intake of breast-fed children aged 12-23 mo well above the RDI (144%), with no risk of exceeding established upper tolerable intake levels.     

Human-milk intake measured by administration of deuterium oxide to the mother: a comparison with the test-weighing technique

A comparison was made between the dose-to-the-mother deuterium-dilution method and the conventional test-weighing technique for determining human-milk intake in five exclusively breast-fed infants and in four breast-fed infants who received supplemental foods. After administration of 2H to the mothers human milk and infant urine were sampled over 14 d and analyzed for 2H:1H ratios by gas-isotope-ratio mass spectrometry. Infant total body water was determined by 18O dilution. The test-weighing procedure was conducted for 5 d consecutively. The intake of human milk (mean +/- SD) estimated by 2H dilution was 648 +/- 63 g/d and estimated by test-weighing was 636 +/- 84 g/d. The mean difference between the two methods was not significantly different from 0. The 2H-dilution and test-weighing techniques provide similar estimates of human-milk intake.     

Zinc and iron nutrition in Chilean children fed fortified milk provided by the Complementary National Food Program

OBJECTIVE: Chilean infants are at risk for isolated zinc and iron deficiencies because of a low consumption of animal products in low socioeconomic sectors. In 1999, the National Complementary Food Program of Chile manufactured a new milk (2 kg of powdered milk/mo) fortified with iron (Fe; 10 mg/L), zinc (Zn; 5 mg/L), and copper (0.5 mg/L) to be provided to infants until age 18 mo and to pregnant women. We analyzed the nutrition status of zinc and iron at age 18 mo in infants who consumed the fortified cow's milk. METHODS: Forty-two healthy male children with normal growth and from lower socioeconomic groups were studied. A nutrition survey was conducted; blood and hair samples for Zn in plasma and hair, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and serum ferritin were obtained. RESULTS: Mean intakes were: energy, 106 +/- 27 kcal. kg(-1). d(-1); protein, 3.8 +/- 1.1 g. kg(-1). d(-1); Zn, 5.2 +/- 1.9 g/d (0.98 mg Zn/MJ; 68% of World Health Organization recommendations); Fe, 11.2 +/- 5.5 mg/d; and dietary fiber, 9.8 +/- 3.9 g/d. Plasma Zn in 54.8% of children was no greater than 12.3 microM/L; 36% had hair Zn level no greater than 1.23 microM/g and 39% had serum ferritin levels no greater than 10 microg/dL (12% were anemic). Hair Zn was correlated to socioeconomic level (Spearman's rank correlation, r = -0.53; P < 0.001) and plasma Zn was correlated to the z weight/length (r = 0.47; P < 0.05), subscapular skinfold (r = 0.46; P < 0.05), and Zn intake (r = 0.46; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The fortified powdered cow's milk provided to infants until age 18 mo by the Complementary Food Program in Chile favorably affects the Fe status of these children, but possibly not the Zn nutrition; we suggest re-evaluation of the levels of Zn fortification.     

Nutritional transition during infancy in East Java, Indonesia: 1. A longitudinal study of feeding pattern, breast milk intake and the consumption of additional foods

Infant feeding pattern was studied longitudinally from birth to 52 weeks among all infants born in the period September 1982-December 1984 in three villages in Madura, East Java (n = 687). Genuine demand breast-feeding was practised but it is the custom to force-feed infants from as early as the third day after birth until about 16 weeks. In a sub-sample the intake of breast milk and additional foods were measured, longitudinally in 76 infants and cross-sectionally in 77 infants. Breast milk intake ranged from 745 g per 24 h in the first month to 640 g per 24 h in the 12th month. Force-feeding did not have a negative influence on breast milk intake. The main constraint in infant feeding is the low intake of additional foods, which remained at 180 kcal and 3 g protein per day from the age of 16 weeks onwards.     

0～6月龄纯母乳喂养儿每日母乳摄入量评估

母乳能为婴儿提供出生后最初6个月所需的能量和绝大多数营养素。健康、纯母乳喂养儿的平均每日母乳摄入量是制定婴儿营养素适宜摄入量的重要依据。称重法和氘标水法是估计婴儿母乳摄入量的主要方法。本文检索了近30年母亲健康的0～6月龄健康、纯母乳喂养儿的平均母乳(成熟乳)摄入量,估算为日均776.6±141.5 g,即749.6ml/d;取整数为780 g/d或750 ml/d。因此,在估计我国0～6月龄婴儿营养素适宜摄入量时,推荐采用婴儿母乳摄入量780 g/d(或750 ml/d)。[营养学报,2013,35(2):134-136,141]     

Contribution of complementary foods to the total daily water needs of urban Guatemalan infants

Background: Estimates of adequate intake (AI) for water only became available in 2005. The daily water AI for 6–12‐month‐old infants of both sexes is 800 mL. The present study aimed to estimate the water intake of urban infants receiving both breast milk and complementary feeding (CF) and to compare them with the reference AI. Methods: Sixty‐four infants, 42 boys and 22 girls, aged 6–12 months on enrolment, from a low‐income district of Guatemala City, were recruited to the study. Quantitative 24‐h recalls and breastfeeding histories were collected in three serial interviews. The quantity of water was estimated from recipes and food composition moisture values for the CF items reported. The amount of breast milk needed to complement foods and beverages in meeting the individual energy needs was calculated, and breast milk’s water contribution was derived accordingly. The total quantity of water in beverages, including human milk, liquids in recipes and moisture of foods, was tabulated as the infants’ daily intake. Results: Some 56.3% of the water needs for boys and 41.1% for girls were satisfied by just water obtained from plain water, other complementary beverages and moisture of foods within CF, exclusive of breast milk. Adding the estimated breast milk intake, the median water intake for the infant sample was essentially equal to the 800 mL of the AI. Conclusions: The infants in this low‐income community are approximating the recommended AI for daily water through the currently selected pattern of lactation and CF.     

Isoflavones in breastfed infants after mothers consume soy

BACKGROUND: The bioavailability of isoflavones in children after soy exposure is uncertain. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare isoflavone patterns in infants exposed to isoflavone-containing breast milk (BF), in tofu-fed (TF) infants, and in mothers consuming a soy beverage. DESIGN: Eighteen nursing mothers who were not feeding soy foods to their infants consumed one daily serving of a soy protein beverage for 2-4 d and collected their own milk and urine and infant urine. Plasma was collected from infants if venous blood draws were ordered by pediatricians. Blood and urine were collected from additional children after they consumed tofu. Isoflavones were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: In 7 subjects, isoflavone values increased significantly from baseline after mothers ate soy: in maternal urine (x +/- SEM) from 18.4 +/- 13.0 to 135.1 +/- 26.0 nmol/mg creatinine, in breast milk from 5.1 +/- 2.2 to 70.7 +/- 19.2 nmol/L, and in infant urine from 29.8 +/- 11.6 to 111.6 +/- 18.9 nmol/mg creatinine. The mean isoflavone concentration in plasma obtained from 11 BF infants was 19.7 +/- 13.2 nmol/L. TF infants had much higher mean isoflavone values (urine, 229 +/- 129 nmol/mg creatinine; plasma, 1049 +/- 403 nmol/L). Statistically significant correlations were observed between the types of fluids investigated within mothers, between mothers and infants, and within infants. Urinary isoflavone excretion per hour adjusted for dose per body weight was 81% lower for BF infants and 24% higher for TF infants than for their mothers after eating soy. CONCLUSIONS: More isoflavones appear in children than in adults after adjustment for isoflavone intake. Systemic isoflavone exposure in infants can be determined by urinary analysis.     

Longitudinal study on the dietary selenium intake of exclusively breast-fed infants and their mothers in Finland

The dietary selenium intakes of a group of 13 lactating women living in the Helsinki metropolitan area and those of their 10 exclusively breast-fed infants were studied twice during the course of lactation. The first survey period of the women ranged from 6 to 8 weeks post-partum and the second from 17 to 22 weeks post-partum. The selenium intakes of the infants were determined at 1 and 3 months post-partum. In addition, the concentrations of selenium in the breast milk of four of the mothers were determined 6 months post-partum. Milk samples were collected by a method eliminating errors due to diurnal variations and variations during a single feeding. The validity of the analytical method employed was confirmed by means of an interlaboratory collaboration. The level of selenium concentration in the breast milk fell significantly (P less than 0.0005) from 10.7 +/- 1.6 micrograms/l at 1 month of lactation to 5.8 +/- 1.2 micrograms/l at 3 months of lactation, but remained at that level for up to 6 months of lactation (5.6 +/- 0.4 micrograms/l). The total dietary selenium intake of the infants fell significantly (P less than 0.0005) from 8.0 +/- 1.8 micrograms/d to 4.7 +/- 1.1 micrograms/d at 1 and 3 months post-partum, respectively. The mean maternal dietary selenium intake was 36 +/- 13 micrograms/d during the first survey period and 30 +/- 12 micrograms/d during the second survey period.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Preliminary data from demographic and health surveys on infant feeding in 20 developing countries

This study describes infant feeding practices in developing countries, specifically complementary liquids and foods in the first year of life. Data were compiled from Demographic and Health Surveys conducted from 1999 to 2003. We analyzed data from those countries with available data, including results for child-level 24-h and 7-d food and fluid intakes. We used datasets from 20 countries with information on >35,000 infants categorized by age: 0-6 and 6-12 mo. For analysis, we grouped data for fluids other than breast milk as water, other milk (e.g., tinned, powdered, animal), infant formula, and other liquids (e.g., fruit juice, herbal tea, sugar water). All specific solid foods were grouped as any solid foods. We present data on breast-feeding and maternal-reported fluid and solid intake by infants in a 24-h period, for individual countries, and in a pooled analysis. Pooled data show that 96.6% of 0- to 6- and 87.9% of 6- to 12-mo-old infants were currently breast-fed. Reported feeding of other fluids was lower among 0- to 6-mo-olds than 6- to 12-mo-olds: water (45.9 vs. 87.4%), other milk products (11.9 vs. 29.6%), infant formula (9.0 vs. 15.1%), and other liquids (15.1 vs. 41.0%). Pooled analysis showed that 21.9% of mothers reported feeding 0- to 6-mo-old infants some type of solid food, and 80.1% of mothers reported feeding solids to 6- to 12-mo-olds. These survey data show that other milks, other liquids, and solid foods are each much more commonly fed throughout infancy than commercial infant formulas in the countries studied.     

Feeding practices and factors contributing to wasting, stunting, and iron-deficiency anaemia among 3-23-month old children in Kilosa district, rural Tanzania

Infants in Tanzania are particularly vulnerable to under-nutrition during transition from breastmilk (as the only source of nourishment) to solid foods. A cross-sectional study was undertaken in Kilosa district in Tanzania to determine the feeding practices and the extent of wasting, stunting, and iron-deficiency anaemia. The study was done in two stages: in the first stage, a 24-hour dietary assessment was conducted to identify the type of complementary foods given and the eating habits according to age for 378 children aged 3-23 months. In the second stage, a progressive recruitment of 309 infants aged six months was made to measure weight, length, haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, zinc protoporphyrin concentration, and malaria parasitaemia. Birth-weight, the potential contributing factor to under-nutrition and iron-deficiency anaemia, was obtained from the children's clinic cards. The 24-hour dietary assessment revealed that children consumed mainly a thin porridge prepared from maize flour as complementary food. Carbohydrates contributed most energy (on average 69%), followed by fats (18.6%) and protein (on average 12.1%). The complementary food co-vered only 15%, 20%, and 27% of the recommended iron intake for children aged 6-8, 9-11 and 12-23 months respectively. The mean Hb concentration was 9.3 +/- 1.9 g/dL, 68% of the infants were moderately anaemic (7 < or =11 g/dL), and about 11% were severely anaemic with Hb below 7 g/dL, while 21% were non-anaemic Hb (> or =11 g/dL). Equally, the mean zinc protoporphyrin concentration was 10.0 +/- 6.2 microg/g Hb, and 76% of the infants were iron-deficient (>5 microg/g Hb). The prevalence of stunting was 35%, while wasting was only 1.3%. Low birth-weight and low body mass index of mothers were the strong predictors of stunting, whereas low birth-weight and iron-deficiency were the strong predictors of anaemia. The prevalence of malaria parasitaemia was high, affecting 50% of the infants. Having malaria was the only independent predictor associated with stunting, anaemia, and iron-deficiency. There is an urgent need to improve tradi-tional complementary foods in the studied community in terms of energy density, amount of fat in the diet, and bioavailability of macro and micronutrients.     

Effect of a fortified maize-meal porridge on anemia, micronutrient status, and motor development of infants

BACKGROUND: Maize-meal porridge is used for infant feeding in many African countries, including South Africa. A low-cost, finely milled, maize-meal porridge was fortified with beta-carotene, iron, and zinc (100% of recommended dietary allowance), as well as ascorbic acid, copper, selenium, riboflavin, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, and vitamin E. OBJECTIVE: We assessed whether the fortified porridge could reduce anemia and improve the micronutrient status and motor development of infants. DESIGN: Infants aged 6-12 mo (n = 361) were randomly assigned to receive either the fortified or unfortified porridge for 6 mo. Primary outcomes were hemoglobin and serum retinol, zinc, and ferritin concentrations and motor development. Growth was assessed as a secondary outcome. Primary and secondary outcomes were assessed at baseline and 6 mo. RESULTS: Two hundred ninety-two infants completed the study. The fortified-porridge group had an intervention effect of 9.4 microg/L (95% CI: 3.6, 15.1 microg/L) for serum ferritin and 9 g/L (95% CI: 6, 12 g/L) for hemoglobin concentrations. The proportion of infants with anemia decreased from 45% to 17% in the fortified-porridge group, whereas it remained >40% in the control group. The fortified-porridge group achieved on average 15.5 of the 25 motor development score items, whereas the control group achieved 14.4 items (P = 0.007). Serum retinol concentration showed an inconsistent effect, and no intervention effect was observed for serum zinc concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: This low-cost fortified porridge can potentially have a significant effect in reducing anemia and improving iron status and motor development of infants in poor settings. The formulation needs some adjustment in terms of zinc fortification.