Energy contribution on non‐breast milk items reported for 5 month old, low‐income infants in metropolitan Quetzaltenango, Guatemala

Abstract

BackgroundAlthough the WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 mo of life, evidence compiled in earlier studies of CeSSIAM documented that mixed feeding often occurs earlier.ObjectivesTo examine the magnitude and manner or use of formula milk and to assess its energy contribution in breastfed infants aged 5 mo.MethodsIn the course of enrollment of 152 breastfeeding 5 mo old infants, recruited at a health clinic in metropolitan Quetzaltenango, a previous‐day recall of all food and beverages consumed by the infant was performed.ResultsA total of 39 (26%) mothers reported feeding their infants formula or cow milk the day before the interview. The vast majority (92%) used a bottle as the means of delivery. Amongst consumers, the reported intake of milk ranged between 5 and 1206 mL/day with a median of 260 mL/day. Its energy contribution varied between 1 to 803 kcal/day, with a median of 139 kcal/day.ConclusionThe use of formula in combination with breastfeeding, i.e. mixed feeding, is common in Guatemalan infants by the 6th month of life and apparently sustainable. Adherence to the internationally‐recognized guidelines for early infant feeding is in need of strengthening among the population of this region.Funded by the Nestlé Foundation, SwitzerlandGrant Funding Source: The Nutrition Society