Infant Diet Research Articles

Alterations in the Gut Microbiome of Infants Consuming Partially Hydrolyzed Cow Milk Protein Formula

ObjectivesThe first year of life is a critical window for appropriate enteric microbiome development. Variations in infant diets have persistent effects on gut microbial ecology. Compared to intact protein formulas (IPF), partially hydrolyzed infant formulas (PHF) contain broken down milk proteins and may impact development of atopic conditions in high-risk infants. However, the effects of PHFs on the developing gut microbiome are not known. MethodsThis study was a secondary analysis of the GLOWING study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01131117). Infant stool samples were collected at 6 months of age and microbial composition was examined via 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing (V4 region) using standardized methods. Samples were grouped by primary feeding type: Exclusive breastfeeding (BF; n = 42), IPF (n = 17), or PHF (n = 12). We used linear models to examine the effects of feeding type adjusting for lifetime breastfeeding exposure at 6 mo. Group differences in α-diversity (richness and diversity) and relative abundances were assessed by ANOVA or t-test. Between-specimen diversity (β-diversity) was assessed using Bray – Curtis dissimilarities. ResultsTotal breast milk exposure did not differ between PHF and IPF (mean 32.3% of feeds from human milk, p = 0.08). Analysis of α-diversity showed higher evenness (Shannon, Simpson) in IPF and higher richness (Chao1, Observed OTU) in PHF. However, these differences were no longer significant after adjusting for breastmilk exposure. β-diversity did not differ between groups. At the genus level compared to BF, infants fed IPF had higher abundance of Parabacteroides, while those fed PHF had higher Erwinia and Clostridium. Peptostreptococcaceae family was also increased in PHF fed infants. Compared to IPF, the PHF group had higher abundance of Clostridium genus, and Peptostreptococcaceae and Enterobacteriaceae families. Elevated Enterobacteriaceae and Clostridiales have previously been found in children with food allergies. ConclusionsOur results suggest that partially hydrolyzed infant formulas may have modest impacts on the gut microbiome compared to intact protein formulas. Larger samples sizes are needed to fully characterize these differences and potential influence on long-term health. Funding SourcesU.S. Department of Agriculture, NIDDK.

Optimizing Patient Care in Egg Allergy Diagnosis and Treatment.

Egg allergy occurs frequently in childhood with a reported prevalence of 1.3–1.6%. Providing optimal care to egg-allergic patients requires knowledge of the most up-to-date developments in both diagnosis and management, as well as effective communication skills, which will engage the patient in the shared decision-making process. This review aims to provide up-to-date information on egg allergy and also serve as a concise guide on optimal patient diagnosis and management. The field of food allergy has seen multiple advances in recent years, including use of component resolved diagnostics, early egg introduction into the infant diet as a way of preventing egg allergy, baked egg introduction and oral immunotherapy as a form of active therapy. Faced with a variety of options and treatment paths, it is important to ensure that patients and families taking part in the decision-making process have fully understood the potential outcomes and trade-offs and can undertake a detailed discussion of all options that are available to them. Shared decision-making remains the cornerstone of optimal patient care.

Unhealthy Snacking Behaviors and Nutrients to Limit From Snacks Among U.S. Infants and Toddlers

ObjectivesThe Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends avoiding foods with added sugars and limiting foods higher in sodium before 2 years of age. This study examined the contributions of sweet and salty snacks in infant and toddler diets. MethodsThis cross-sectional analysis of dietary intake used three 24-hour dietary recalls collected from mothers of 141 infants and toddlers ages 9 to <16 months. Dietary recalls were collected over the phone by trained researchers using a validated multiple pass method. Snacks high in nutrients to limit were categorized as sweet (e.g., cakes, cookies) and salty (e.g., chips, crackers) using What We Eat in America food categories. The average number of snacks per day, total energy from snacks, and nutrients to limit from snacks were evaluated for 71 infants (9 to <12 months) and 70 toddlers (12 to < 16 months). ResultsMothers were on average 32.6 ± 4.4 years old, identified as white (78.0%), and were college graduates (87.1%). Most infants/toddlers were breastfed ≥6 months (68.1%) and were introduced to solid foods after 4 months (96.5%). More than one-third (40.1%) of infants consumed at least one snack high in nutrients to limit on any given day. These snacks accounted for 5% of total energy (24 ± 49 kcals), 56.2% of total added sugars, 11.7% of total sodium, and 2.8% of total fat in infant dietary intakes. Similarly, more than two-thirds (74.3%) of toddlers consumed at least one snack high in nutrients to limit on any given day. These snacks accounted for 6.3% of total energy (60 ± 74 kcals), 75.0% of total added sugars, 8.4% of total sodium, and 5.3% of total fat in toddler dietary intakes. ConclusionsInfants and toddlers consume snacks that contribute discretionary calories and added sugars. Given the new guidelines to avoid foods and beverages with added sugars before 2 years, future studies should examine factors that influence snack intake during this early development period. Funding SourcesNational Institute on Child Health and Human Development, Grant/Award Number: R01HD087082-01.

Use of the Infant Diet Quality Index Score (DQIS) for the Identification of Targets for Nutritional Intervention Among Infants of 4 to 6 Months at Risk of Childhood Obesity

ObjectivesHealthcare providers have been called to intervene during the first 1000 days of life to reduce childhood obesity. Screening instruments that facilitate the identification of targets for intervention are not currently available. A Diet Quality Index Score (DQIS) was created and measured for its validity in predicting excessive weight gain in a sample of Latino infants. Evidence that infants with BMI percentiles ≥85th at 2 months developed early childhood obesity demands strategies to detect targets for intervention in a systems-based approach. MethodsSecondary database analysis using data sourced from a lifestyle intervention project implemented among WIC participants. Assessments were completed on baseline while the infant was 0–2 months of age and follow up at 4–6 months. Socio-demographic and anthropometric characteristics of infants and their caregivers were evaluated. DQIS was calculated using an infant food frequency questionnaire. Descriptive analysis of the variables of interest was conducted. Correlation analysis between the numeric DQIS and categorical assessment of the scale was performed to determine the degree of association of values or risk category associated with a BMI z score percentile at or above 85th according to the age and gender appropriate WHO growth standards. Results169 dyads were included in this study (Puerto Rico 54.4%), mean caregiver age was 27 y (4.94). 41.4% had achieved an educational level high school or less. In infants: 52% received care in health centers, 82.2% where up to date on vaccinations, 99.4% had an excellent DQIS score at baseline. At follow up 19.5% were found in good and 8.9% needs improvement to poor range. Mean BMI z scores increased from -0.52 (1.35) at birth to 0.9 (1.46) at follow up. ConclusionsThe infant DQIS used between 4 to 6 months of life as a screening tool could assist non nutritional healthcare providers in the identification of intervention targets while a more detailed assessment is completed. Funding SourcesThis study was supported by the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), of the NIH, award number U54MD008149. Infrastructure support also provided by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities RCMI Grant: 8G12MD007600. This research was also supported by grant U54MD007584 (RMATRIX) from the NIMHD of the NIH.

Use of Linear Programming to Develop Complementary Feeding Recommendations to Improve Nutrient Adequacy and Dietary Diversity Among Breastfed Children in the Rural Philippines.

Lack of dietary diversity in complementary feeding contributes to nutrient gaps leading to undernutrition. Food-based strategies have been successfully used to enrich the complementary diets of infants and young children. However, context-specific recommendations based on an objective diet optimization are needed to formulate sound and practical nutritional guidelines. The present study aimed to identify problem nutrients in complementary diets and formulate complementary feeding recommendations (CFRs) using linear programming analysis for children aged 6 to 23 months in the rural Philippines. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the municipality of Mercedes, Philippines. Dietary intakes of breastfed children 6 to 8, 9 to 11, and 12 to 23 months of age (n = 297) were assessed using a multipass 24-hour recall method with 7-day food consumption frequency. A linear programming tool was used to identify the recommended nutrient intakes that could not be met within the existing local food patterns and develop CFRs that would best fulfill nutrient adequacy for 11 modeled micronutrients. Problem nutrients in the current diets were iron and calcium in any age-group, zinc for 6 to 8 and 9 to 11 months old, and thiamine and folate for 12 to 23 months old children. Adoption of CFRs with 4 to 5 food groups in the diet would ensure the adequacy of 7 to 8 nutrients, depending on the age-group. Within the boundaries of local dietary patterns, adequacy for most nutrients could be achieved by promoting realistic servings of nutrient-dense foods and food groups. The linear programming results provide an evidence-based strategy in designing interventions to improve the quality of Filipino complementary diets.

Association between a soy-based infant diet and the onset of puberty: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the association between a soy-based infant diet and the onset of puberty. We included studies in which children were fed a soy-based diet, and we compared them with those who were not. The primary outcomes were the onset of puberty in girls (thelarche, pubarche, and menarche age), boys (pubarche, voice change, testicular and penis enlargement age), and both (risk of delayed and precocious puberty [PP]). Search strategies were performed in PubMed, Embase, LILACS, and CENTRAL databases. Two reviewers selected eligible studies, assessed the risk of bias, and extracted data from the included studies. The odds ratio (OR) and mean difference (MD) were calculated with a 95% confidence interval (CI) as a measure of the association between soy consumption and outcomes. We used a random-effects model to pool results across studies and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation to evaluate the certainty of evidence. We included eight studies in which 598 children consumed a soy-based diet but 2957 did not. The primary outcomes that could be plotted in the meta-analysis were the risk of PP and age at menarche. There was no statistical difference between groups for PP (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.09 to 2.94, 3 studies, 206 participants, low certainty of evidence). No between-group difference was observed in menarche age (MD 0.14 years, 95% CI -0.16 to 0.45, 3 studies, 605 children, low certainty of evidence). One study presented this outcome in terms of median and interquartile range, and although the onset of menarche was marginally increased in girls who received a soy-based diet, the reported age was within the normal age range for menarche. We did not find any association between a soy-based infant diet and the onset of puberty in boys or girls. Trial Registration: PROSPERO registration: CRD42018088902.

The effect of diet in infancy on asthma in young adults: the Merthyr Allergy Prevention Study

IntroductionEarly infant diet might influence the risk of subsequent allergic disease.MethodsThe Merthyr Allergy Prevention Study (MAPS) was a randomised controlled trial in infants at high risk of allergic disease. The...

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Nutrition Research Network: The Saqmolo' Project Rationale and Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial Examining the Influence of Daily Complementary Feeding of Eggs on Infant Development and Growth in Guatemala

Adequate nutrition during the complementary feeding period is critical for optimal child growth and development and for promoting long-term educational attainment and economic potential. To prioritize limited public health resources, there is a need for studies that rigorously assess the influence of multicomponent integrated nutrition interventions in children younger than age 2 years in different contexts. This study aimed to describe the rationale and protocol for the Saqmolo’ Project using the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials (SPIRIT) guidelines. The Saqmolo’ (ie, “egg” in the Mayan language, Kaqchiquel) Project is an individually randomized, partially blinded, controlled comparative effectiveness trial to evaluate the influence of adding delivery of a single whole egg per day to local standard nutrition care (ie, growth monitoring, medical care, deworming medication, multiple micronutrient powders for point-of-use food fortification [chispitas], and individualized complementary and responsive feeding education for caregivers) for 6 months, compared with the local standard nutrition care package alone, on child development, growth, and diet quality measures in rural indigenous Mayan infants aged 6 to 9 months at baseline (N = 1,200). The study is being executed in partnership with the Wuqu’ Kawoq/Maya Health Alliance, a primary health care organization located in central Guatemala. Primary outcomes for this study are changes in global development scores, assessed using the Guide for Monitoring Global Development and the Caregiver Reported Child Development Instruments. Secondary outcomes include changes in infant hemoglobin, anthropometric measures (including z scores for weight for age, length for age, weight for length, and head circumference for age), and diet quality as measured using the World Health Organization’s infant and young child feeding indicators. The results of the Saqmolo’ Project may help to inform public health decision making regarding resource allocation for effective nutrition interventions during the complementary feeding period.

Dietary intake of Indigenous Australian infants and young children in the Gomeroi gaaynggal cohort.

AimThe nutritional quality of foods consumed by infants and young children to complement breastfeeding or formula feeding influences growth and development. The aim of this study was to identify the dietary intake of Indigenous infants and young children in the Gomeroi gaaynggal cohort, and evaluate the nutritional adequacy of their intake compared with Australian recommendations.MethodsDietary intake was assessed using diet recalls at approximately 9‐, 12‐ and 24‐month visits. Nutrient values of foods were obtained from AUSNUT 2011‐13 and nutrient intake compared to the Australian Nutrient Reference Values. Foods were categorised into food groups and intakes compared to the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating.ResultsA total of 206 infants and young children were included in the study. Of these, 95 individual children had dietary data collected between 7.6 and 24.7 months. Infant formula and breastfeeding rates were highest among infants (70% and 20%, respectively). Cow's milk intake was highest among young children (75%).Infants and young children in the cohort met most macro‐ and micronutrient intake recommendations. Few young children met recommendation for iron (42%), no infant met recommendation for omega‐3 fatty acids and almost all exceeded recommendation for sodium. Most young children met daily dairy and fruit recommendations although intake of discretionary foods was high.ConclusionsThis study found that diets of Indigenous infants and young children met most key nutrient reference targets. Potential target areas that require dietary optimisation have been identified and will be the focus of community‐led strategies in adequate infant nutrition promotion.

Shaping dietary histories: Exploring the relationship between cranial modification and childhood feeding in a high-altitude Andean population (1100–1450 CE)

Cranial modification, the intentional reshaping of an infant’s head, was likely tied to notions of proper child-rearing in the ancient Andes. However, its relationship to other aspects of childhood experience and socialization is rarely interrogated. This study assesses childhood diet and weaning practices among 85 modified and unmodified individuals from the Colca Valley, Peru (1100–1450 CE), analyzing carbon and oxygen isotope ratios from 190 enamel carbonate samples from 110 teeth. Increasing δ13C values between cuspal and cervical enamel, and between early and later forming teeth, suggest that the diets of infants and children, regardless of social identity, were gradually supplemented by maize. Although average isotopic values do not differ systematically by site, sex, or presence or absence of cranial modification, modified individuals show greater variance in δ13C than unmodified individuals. Stable carbon isotope data from modified individuals with more than one tooth sampled further underscore the maintenance of distinct diets across juvenile life histories. This dietary diversity may be the outcome of more geographically expansive patterns of resource use that involved temporary residence outside of the valley. This interpretation follows from ethnohistorical models of vertical economy in the Andes, but requires further testing with other lines of isotope data.

Learning early about peanut-triggered food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome.

Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is a non-immunoglobulin E mediated food allergy that typically presents with repetitive emesis and may be associated with lethargy, marked pallor, hypotension, hypothermia, and/or diarrhea. Although many foods are known to cause FPIES, peanut-triggered FPIES is emerging due to changes in the feeding practice guidelines, which recommends early peanut introduction in infants. We aimed to characterize peanut-triggered acute FPIES cases in our pediatric population and to describe their attributes, treatment, and outcomes. We hypothesized that increases in the incidence of peanut-triggered FPIES coincided with implementation of the guidelines for early peanut introduction. A retrospective chart review was conducted of pediatric patients who presented to Phoenix Children's Hospital Emergency Department and subspecialty clinics during a 6-year period (January 2013 to September 2019). Thirty-three cases of patients with acute FPIES were identified, five of which were peanut triggered. In those patients with peanut-triggered FPIES, the median age for peanut introduction was 7 months (range, 5-24 months). Two patients had positive peanut skin-prick test results. All five cases were identified in the past 2 years (2018 to 2019). No peanut-triggered reactions were documented in the preceding 4-year period (2013 to 2017). Peanut may be an emerging trigger of acute FPIES, coinciding with an earlier introduction of peanut in the infant diet after implementation of the new addendum guidelines for the prevention of peanut allergy. Oats and rice were the most common triggers of acute FPIES in our cohort. Further study will help clarify the significance and reproducibility of these findings.

Iodine nutritional status of lactating women in northern Taiwan in 2019.

Pregnant and lactating women are vulnerable to iodine deficiency. This study was conducted to evaluate the iodine nutritional status of lactating women in northern Taiwan. Women recruited from Taipei Veterans General Hospital (TVGH) in 2019 provided a spot urine sample and completed a Food Frequency Questionnaire. The urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The overall median UIC in 198 women was 120.4 μg/L, indicating a sufficient iodine status. Univariate analysis revealed a lower median UIC in women of younger age (p = 0.004), who were not taking multivitamins (p = 0.004), not on a postpartum nourishment diet (p = 0.04), and whose infant received more breast milk (p = 0.004). The median UIC was <100 μg/L in the group aged 20 to 29 years (UIC: 74.4 μg/L) and in women whose infants' diet was composed of >50% breast milk (UIC: 86.1 μg/L). A postpartum nourishment diet was followed by 73.7% (n = 146) of the women. Nevertheless, a significant decrease in the intake frequency of iodine-containing foods, including seaweeds (p < 0.001), seafood (p < 0.001), dairy products (p = 0.009), and multivitamins (p < 0.001) was observed compared with the intake noted in a previous survey of pregnant women in TVGH. Following multivariate analysis, only younger age (20-29 vs ≥30 years; odds ratio [OR]: 3.38; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.49-7.65), no use of multivitamin (OR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.03-3.48), and infant diet composition (>50% breast milk vs <50% breast milk; OR: 2.93; 95% CI: 1.37-6.25) were independently associated with UIC < 100 μg/L. The results suggest that the iodine status in lactating women in northern Taiwan is adequate. However, iodine deficiency may continue to be present in certain subgroups, such as women of younger age and those who do not take multivitamins.

Effect of processing method on proximate, minerals, phytochemcals and anti-nutrients present in Baobab seeds (Adansonia digitata)

Baobab (Adansonia digitata) is a deciduous tree with many useful plants. The objective of this work was to determine the effect of processing methods on proximate, mineral composition, phytochemical and anti-nutrient of control, boiled, roasted and fermented samples of baobab seeds. The result showed that the protein content of the seeds of different process ranged from (32.87%) roasted to (32.13%) control sample. The fat content ranges from (30.97%) roasted to (29.77%) boiled seeds. The ash content ranges from (0.60%) boiled to (0.57%) fermented. The moisture content ranges from (9.03%) boiled to (8.53%) control sample. The carbohydrate content ranges from (29.93%) boiled to (26.73%) roasted seeds respectively. While the mineral composition of the seeds measure in (mg/100g) ranges from: Ca (188.33) fermented to (173.33) boiled, Fe ranges from (12.87) fermented to (11.73) boiled, Na ranges from (446.67) fermented to (416.67) boiled, Mg ranges from (55.00) fermented to (46.67) boiled, K ranges from (43.33) fermented to (33.33) boiled, Cu ranges from (0.83) fermented to (0.60) boiled seeds respectively. While the phytochemicals and antinutrient factors of the seeds measured in (mg/100g) ranges from: Alkaloids ranges from (30.00) control sample to (20.00) fermented, Flavonoids ranges from (61.67) fermented to (48.33) boiled, Steroids ranges from (20.00) fermented to (15.00) control sample, Tannins ranges from (140.00) roasted to (128.33) boiled , Saponins ranges from (45.00) control sample to (33.33) fermented, Protease Inhibitors ranges from (0.83) control sample to (0.40) fermented seeds respectively. The baobab seeds are a very proteinous with high mineral composition. Therefore, these seeds can be useful in the preparation of diets for people with low-level of mineral elements and also as dietary supplement in weaning food to improve quality of diets of infants and children.

EAACI guideline: Preventing the development of food allergy in infants and young children (2020 update).

This guideline from the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) recommends approaches to prevent the development of immediate-onset / IgE-mediated food allergy in infants and young children. It is an update of a 2014 EAACI guideline. The guideline was developed using the AGREE II framework and the GRADE approach. An international Task Force with representatives from 11 countries and different disciplinary and clinical backgrounds systematically reviewed research and considered expert opinion. Recommendations were created by weighing up benefits and harms, considering the certainty of evidence and examining values, preferences and resource implications. The guideline was peer-reviewed by external experts, and feedback was incorporated from public consultation. All of the recommendations about preventing food allergy relate to infants (up to 1year) and young children (up to 5years), regardless of risk of allergy. There was insufficient evidence about preventing food allergy in other age groups. The EAACI Task Force suggests avoiding the use of regular cow's milk formula as supplementary feed for breastfed infants in the first week of life. The EAACI Task Force suggests introducing well-cooked, but not raw egg or uncooked pasteurized, egg into the infant diet as part of complementary feeding. In populations where there is a high prevalence of peanut allergy, the EAACI Task Force suggests introducing peanuts in an age-appropriate form as part of complementary feeding. According to the studies, it appears that the most effective age to introduce egg and peanut is from four to 6months of life. The EAACI Task Force suggests against the following for preventing food allergy: (i) avoiding dietary food allergens during pregnancy or breastfeeding; and (ii) using soy protein formula in the first 6months of life as a means of preventing food allergy. There is no recommendation for or against the following: use of vitamin supplements, fish oil, prebiotics, probiotics or synbiotics in pregnancy, when breastfeeding or in infancy; altering the duration of exclusive breastfeeding; and hydrolysed infant formulas, regular cow's milk-based infant formula after a week of age or use of emollients. Key changes from the 2014 guideline include suggesting (i) the introduction of peanut and well-cooked egg as part of complementary feeding (moderate certainty of evidence) and (ii) avoiding supplementation with regular cow's milk formula in the first week of life (low certainty of evidence). There remains uncertainty in how to prevent food allergy, and further well-powered, multinational research using robust diagnostic criteria is needed.

First Bites-Why, When, and What Solid Foods to Feed Infants.

Humans are the only mammals who feed our young special complementary foods before weaning and we are the only primates that wean our young before they can forage independently. There appears to be a sensitive period in the first several months of life when infants readily accept a wide variety of tastes and this period overlaps with a critical window for oral tolerance. As a result, infants should be exposed to a wide variety of flavors while mother is pregnant, while mother is nursing and beginning at an early age. There also appears to be a sensitive period between 4 and 9 months when infants are most receptive to different food textures. There remains debate about when it is best to begin introducing solid foods into an infant's diet however, the available evidence suggests that provided the water and food supply are free of contamination, and the infant is provided adequate nutrition, there are no clear contraindications to feeding infants complementary foods at any age. There is emerging evidence that introduction of solid foods into an infant's diet by 4 months may increase their willingness to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables later in life, decrease their risk of having feeding problems later in life, and decrease their risk of developing food allergies, and the early introduction of solid foods into an infant's diet does not appear to increase their risk of obesity later in childhood.

Micronutrient gaps during the complementary feeding period in 6 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa: a Comprehensive Nutrient Gap Assessment.

Insufficient quantity and inadequate quality of foods in early life are key causes of all forms of malnutrition. Identification of nutrient and dietary gaps in the diets of infants and young children is essential to inform policies and programs designed to improve child diets. A Comprehensive Nutrient Gap Assessment was used to assess the public health significance of nutrient gaps during the complementary feeding period and to identify evidence gaps in 6 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa. Important gaps were identified in iron, vitamin A, zinc, and calcium and, to a lesser extent, vitamin B12 and folate. The best whole-food sources of these micronutrients available in part or all of the countries studied include beef liver, chicken liver, small dried fish, beef, and eggs. Investment is needed in many countries to collect data on micronutrient biomarkers and dietary intake. Strategic actions to improve child diets will require engagement and intervention across relevant systems to accelerate progress on improving the diets of infants and young children.

BREAST MILK AFFECTS CHILD MORBIDITY STATUS: AN UNEXPLORED EVIDENCE FROM AYURVEDA

Breast milk is the main diet of infants as it provides all the nutrients for normal growth and development of a baby from the time of birth to the first 6 months of life. This dynamic fluid provides a diverse array of bioactive substances to the developing infant during critical periods of brain, immune system and gut development. In Ayurveda though breast milk is vital for children and infants but it may be vitiated with Dosha (regulatory functional factors of the body) due to the faulty lifestyle of the Dhatri (wet-nurse or mother) which may lead to various type of morbidities in child according to predominance of Dosha. Ancient Ayurveda scholars have also mentioned effect of breast milk according to taste and texture along with management of morbidities caused by these predominance’s of Dosha. Ayurveda have stressed very much on this aspect and have given a detailed account of abnormalities of breast milk and their consequences. Knowledge of this fact is of key significance for the proper growth and development of a child. Therefore, evidences from Ayurveda have been compiled in this article to understand the effect of breast milk on child morbidity status.

Development of weaning food with prebiotic effects based on roasted or extruded quinoa and millet flour.

Weaning is the gradual process of introducing solids or semisolid foods into an infant's diet, in order to ensure their healthy growth. This study developed two kinds of formula weaning food based on roasted or extruded quinoa and millet flour, and evaluated their quality. A fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS)/galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) mix was added to provide the prebiotic potential. The protein contents of the roasted quinoa-millet complementary food (RQMCF) and extruded quinoa-millet complementary food (EQMCF) were 16.7% and 17.74% higher, respectively, than that of commercial millet complementary food (CMCF). Both RQMCF and EQMCF provided sufficient levels of energy and minerals. Extrusion provided the foods with a lower viscosity, and higher solubility and water absorption ability than roasting. In vitro digestion results showed that EQMCF exhibited the highest starch and protein digestibility (89.76% and 88.72%, respectively) followed by RQMCF (87.75% and 86.63%) and CMCF (83.35% and 81.54%). The digestas of RQMCF and EQMCF after in vitro digestion exhibited prebiotic effects by promoting the growth of the probiotics (Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus delbrueckii). These results will contribute to developing complementary weaning foods for infants. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study has shown that extrusion is an efficient and stable processing method for producing infant complementary foods with low density, balanced nutrition, and high levels of starch and protein digestibility. Extruded quinoa-millet prebiotic complementary food can also promote the proliferation of probiotics. This will provide a new direction for developing novel infant formula weaning foods.

Plant-Based Beverages in the Diets of Infants and Young Children

Plant-Based Beverages in the Diets of Infants and Young Children

The iron content of healthy diets for one day for breastfed babies and young children.

Early childhood anaemia due to iron deficiency is widespread in remote communities across northern Australia. Current recommendations for healthy food to complement breastfeeding at age 6 to 23 months include iron-rich and iron-enriched foods. An electronic nutrient analysis was undertaken to assess the iron content of hypothetical healthy diets for breastfed babies and young children aged 6 to 23 months in Australia, in comparison with their estimated requirements. Hypothetical diets for 1day were developed that were consistent with the Foundation Diets for breastfed infants 6 to 12 months and for toddlers 13 to 23 months. Nutrient content was derived using the Australian Food Composition database in FoodWorks 10. The iron content of these two diets were compared with Estimated Average Requirements (EARs) and Recommended Dietary Intakes (RDIs) for iron for infants aged 7 to 12 months and children aged 1 to 3 years. The iron content of the hypothetical diet for breastfed infants aged 6 to 12 months (5.8mg) was less than the EAR (7mg, 83%) and the RDI (11 mg, 53%). For young breastfed children aged 13 to 23 months, the iron content of the hypothetical diet was 4.4mg; above the EAR (4mg, 110%) but less than RDI (9mg, 49%). Breastfeeding has health and neurodevelopmental benefits for infants and young children that are particularly important in remote Australia where food insecurity and poor nutrition compromise health and wellbeing. Adequate iron intake is also important for neurodevelopment in early life but healthy diets for breastfed babies and young children may have insufficient iron content to meet requirements. The upcoming revision of the Australian Dietary Guidelines provides an opportunity to consider this issue.