Donated Fortified Cereal Blends Improve the Nutrient Density of Traditional Complementary Foods in Haiti, but Iron and Zinc Gaps Remain for Infants

2004 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 361-376 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie T. Ruel ◽  
Purnima Menon ◽  
Cornelia Loechl ◽  
Gretel Pelto
2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Antiporta ◽  
Ramya Ambikapathi ◽  
Anuradha Bose ◽  
Bruna Maciel ◽  
Tjale Mahopo ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives To estimate the usual energy and micronutrient intakes of children 9–24 mo of age and evaluate the probability of adequacy of the diet in 7 MAL-ED sites. Methods Breastfeeding was evaluated biweekly from enrolment (≤17 d old) through 24 mo; beginning at 9 mo, monthly 24-hour recalls (up to 17 recalls/child) were used to quantify intakes of complementary foods. Energy, macro- and micro-nutrient intakes were calculated using site-specific food composition tables. Based on the Morseth et al (2016) analysis of the Nepal MAL-ED site, we estimated energy and nutrient intakes from breast milk to derive total energy and nutrient intakes. For each site and 3 mo-age period, we estimated usual intakes of energy and 13 micronutrients for each child, considering age, sex, month and day of the week, then predicted the distribution of intakes by age period and site. We then compared each intake distribution to the recommended dietary allowance to derive the median probability of adequacy (MPA) and respective inter-quartile range (IQR). We evaluated iron and zinc considering bioavailability. Results Among 1669 children, median %energy (%E) from breast milk ranged from 23–71%E at 9–12 mo, and declined to 25–40%E at 21–24 mo. Iron bioavailability was low for all sites, but many diets were of moderate bioavailability for zinc. MPA were 1 (IQR = 0) in Brazil and South Africa, except for iron and vitamin E (both), calcium (South Africa) and zinc (low bioavailable diet in South Africa). MPA for zinc increased from 9–24 mo only for children consuming a diet with moderate bioavailability. MPA increased for many nutrients from 12–24 mo as the nutrient density of complementary foods increased; however, MPA for vitamin A remained low in Bangladesh and Tanzania. In Tanzania, calcium and B12 MPA declined and IQR increased as cow's milk remained in the diets of only some children. For most sites and age groups, MPA were 0 (IQR = 0) for Vitamins D, E and iron. Conclusions MPA increases from 12–24 mo as children consume more nutrient-dense complementary foods. Ways to increase consumption of foods containing vitamins D, E, and A, and calcium are needed, as are ways to increase bioavailability of iron and zinc. Funding Sources The MAL-ED study was supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, through grants to the Foundation for the NIH and NIH/FIC.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kripa Rajagopalan ◽  
Samantha Huey ◽  
Sudha Venkatramanan ◽  
Shobha Udipi ◽  
Varsha Thakker ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives a) To examine the mean nutrient intake among young children 12–18 months of age in urban slums of Mumbai, b) to determine the adequacy of micronutrient intake in their diet as per the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) recommendations for optimum growth and development, and c) to determine if there is a difference in the nutrient intake of those randomized vs not randomized to the trial involving feeding of iron- and zinc-biofortified pearl millet complementary foods. Methods A total of 407 children were screened of which dietary data was available for 359 children. Of the total randomized (n = 223), dietary data was available for 216 children who were randomized to one of the two study arms (Arm 1: n = 107, Arm 2: n = 109). A 24-hour dietary recall was performed, and nutrient intake was calculated using CS dietary software using the NIN food composition tables. Results The average age of children was 14.81 months; 51% were males and 49% females. Majority of the children (81.64%) breastfed the previous day. The mean intake per day of calories, protein, iron, and zinc from complementary foods was found to be 598 kcal, 19.9 g, 3.25 mg, and 1.85 mg, respectively. On average, complementary feeding contributed to 89.6% of RDA for energy, 82.4% of calcium, 57.9% of iron, 58.8% of zinc, 51.9% vitamin A, 7.2% of vitamin B12, and 83.3% of dietary folate. All children had adequate caloric and protein intake. However, > 90% of children consumed inadequate iron, zinc, and folate according to the nutrient density of the complementary food, and > 50% of children consumed inadequate vitamin A and calcium. Overall, children randomized to the intervention were found to have a significantly higher intake of calories, protein, folate, and zinc. Conclusions Majority of children living in the urban slums of Mumbai consumed diet inadequate for most micronutrients. Our findings confirm the suitability of this population for interventions aiming to improve micronutrient intake Funding Sources HarvestPlus.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Gilbert ◽  
Binita Subedi ◽  
Jessica Wallingford ◽  
Norbert Wilson ◽  
William Masters

Abstract Objectives High quality fortified premixed cereals can help caregivers meet infants’ nutrient needs after 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding, as complementary foods alongside breastmilk especially where family foods have low nutrient density. Such cereals are widely used in nutrition assistance programs, but commercially-sold brands are rarely subject to quality assurance using international standards for composition and labeling. Previous work found low and variable nutrients and high mycotoxin levels in a few samples. This study aimed to provide the first combined test for nutrient and mycotoxins in multiple samples of all premixed cereal brands for sale in a country, using Malawi as an example of a country with high burdens of child malnutrition and an active market for commercial premixed cereals. Methods We purchased a convenience sample of 94 packages from all 8 brands available in markets representing the Central and Southern regions of Malawi, and conducted tests for macronutrients, iron and zinc as well as aflatoxins and fumonisin, using standards set by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists. Test results were compared to labeled values and the few available standards, and interpreted in the light of qualitative findings from semi-structured interviews using snowball sampling with Malawian stakeholders. Results Premixed cereals generally met moisture, ash, and iron standards set by the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS), but just 35%, 56% and 39% of samples were compliant with the MBS standards for zinc, protein, and fat respectively, and only 63% of samples met Codex standards for energy. Most of the locally-made products exceeded national and international standards for aflatoxin and fumonisin. Labeled values deviated significantly from test results (P < 0.05) for all nutrients except protein and zinc. Key informants identified several challenges in achieving high and uniform quality premixed products in Malawi including reliability and independence of test results, cost of testing, and quality control. Conclusions Test results showed low and variable nutrient content, discordance with labeled values and mycotoxin contamination above Malawian standards, revealing the need for introduction of trustworthy quality assurance standards to improve quality and labeling practices for complementary foods in Malawi. Funding Sources This project was supported by a USDA award to Tufts University. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs


2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 438-439
Author(s):  
Endale Amare ◽  
Claire Mouquet-Rivier ◽  
Isabelle Rochette ◽  
Christian Picq ◽  
Abdulaziz Adish ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 179-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colin Binns ◽  
Mi Kyung Lee ◽  
Wah Yun Low ◽  
Philip Baker ◽  
Awang Bulgiba ◽  
...  

Good nutrition in the first “1000 days,” including breastfeeding and appropriate complementary foods, prepares for a healthy childhood and adult life, also contributes to the prevention of the double burden of malnutrition. Exclusive breastfeeding provides all required nutrients until an infant is around 6 months of age when complementary foods are needed. A literature review was undertaken of complementary foods in the Asia Pacific region. The foods being used at present are often of low nutrient density may provide insufficient amounts of some critical nutrients, and generally the variety is limited. Guidelines for complementary feeding are provided to assist in education and in public health planning.


1998 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan E. Parker ◽  
Dirk G. Schroeder ◽  
France Begin ◽  
Elena Hurtado

Increasing the nutrient density of complementary food mixtures is a common strategy for improving child nutrition in developing countries. Such modification, however, typically increases the viscosity of the mixtures, which may not appeal to caretakers or children. To assess maternal preference for complementary food consistency, 46 rural Guatemalan mothers, each of whom had a child between 6 and 14 months of age, were interviewed by trained data collectors and participated in focus group discussions. Strong opinions regarding consistencies of complementary foods were identified, which varied according to the child's age and health status. Mothers preferred thinner complementary foods for children less than one year old and thicker foods for children more than one year old. When the child had a cough or fever, most mothers preferred thin, liquid complementary foods. When the child had diarrhoea, about half of the mothers believed thinner complementary foods would replace the water the child lost with diarrhoea, whereas other mothers believed that thicker complementary foods would harden the stool or stop diarrhoea. This information will help guide efforts to develop improved complementary foods, particularly those for use during illness in underprivileged populations of developing countries.


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