Early Childhood Nutrition Research Articles

Effects of nutrition package on intestinal flora of infants by high-throughput sequencing

To investigate the effect of nutrition package on intestinal flora of infants aged 6-24 months. A total of 118 infants in Songxian County and Ruyang County of Henan Province, 60 infants in Songxian County with nutrition package coverage, and 58 infants in Ruyang County of the control county were selected for the long-term effects of early childhood nutrition package intervention project in 2018. All infant faeces were collected, and the composition and abundance of intestinal flora were analyzed and compared by high-throughput sequencing technology. The Alpha diversity of intestinal flora in the nutrition package intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group. Firmicutes were on the rise in the nutrition package intervention group of infants aged 6-24 months. The abundance of Prevotella in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group. The abundance of Faecalibacterium and Bacteroides in the nutrition package treatment group for infants aged 12 to 17 months was significantly higher than that of the control group, while the abundance of Bifidobacterium and Prevotella was significantly lower than that of the control group. Lactobacillus was significantly less abundant in the 18-24 month old infant nutrition package intervention group than in the control group. Nutrition package can improve the diversity of intestinal flora, also play an important role in promoting the balance of intestinal flora of infants.

The association between parental migration and early childhood nutrition of left-behind children in rural China

BackgroundMore than one-third of children under 3 years old are left behind at home due to parental migration in rural China, and we know very little about early childhood nutrition of left-behind children (LBC) because of the dearth of research. This study examined the association between parental migration and early childhood nutrition of LBC in rural China.MethodsWe used repeated cross-sectional data of rural children aged 6–35 months who participated in two surveys in six counties of northern and southern China in 2013 and 2016 respectively. The length, weight, and hemoglobin concentration were measured by trained health-care workers blinded to parental migration status. Stunting, underweight, wasting, and anemia were identified with the standards recommended by WHO. Generalized linear regressions and multivariate logistic regressions were employed to explore the association between parental migration and these nutritional outcomes at each time point.ResultsTwo thousand three hundred thirty-six and 2210 children aged 6–35 months were enrolled in 2013 and 2016, respectively. The results show a reduction of the risks of stunting, underweight, and wasting from 2013 (16.4, 8.5, and 3.5%, respectively) to 2016 (12.1, 4.0, and 1.5%, respectively) but highlight a constantly and alarmingly high risk of anemia among these children (44.8% in 2013 and 43.8% in 2016). Children with migrant fathers performed as well as or better than those with non-migrants on these indicators. Children with migrant parents performed slightly worse in 2013, but equal or slightly superior in 2016 on these indicators compared with children with non-migrants and migrant fathers. Children aged 6–17 months with migrant parents had a significantly lower risk of anemia than those living with their mothers or with both parents (43.1% vs. 63.6% and 61.5 in 2013, and 42.5 vs. 60.1 and 66.2% in 2016), even after controlling for children’s sociodemographic characteristics.ConclusionsParental migration may be not detrimental and even beneficial to early childhood nutrition of LBC in rural China. Continued nutritional support is needed for all rural children, especially interventions for preventing micronutrient deficiency. Programs for LBC are recommended to continue to focus on nutrition but pay more attention to other important health issues.

Household structure, maternal characteristics and children's stunting in sub-Saharan Africa: evidence from 35 countries.

BackgroundAdequate nutrition in early childhood is a necessity to achieve healthy growth and development, as well as a strong immune system and good cognitive development. The period from conception to infancy is especially vital for optimal physical growth, health and development. In this study we examined the influence of household structure on stunting in children <5 yrs of age in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries.MethodsDemographic and Health Survey data from birth histories in 35 SSA countries were used in this study. The total sample of children born within the 5 yrs before the surveys (2008 and 2018) was 384 928. Children whose height-for-age z-score throughout was <−2 SDs from the median of the WHO reference population were considered stunted. Percentages and χ2 tests were used to explore prevalence and bivariate associations of stunting. In addition, a multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to stunted children. All statistical tests were conducted at a p<0.05 level of significance.ResultsMore than one-third of children in SSA countries were reportedly stunted. The leading countries include Burundi (55.9%), Madagascar (50.1%), Niger (43.9%) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (42.7%). The percentage of stunted children was higher among males than females and among rural children than their urban counterparts in SSA countries. Children from polygamous families and from mothers who had been in multiple unions had a 5% increase in stunting compared with children from monogamous families and mothers who had only one union (AOR 1.05 [95% CI 1.02 to 1.09]). Furthermore, rural children were 1.23 times as likely to be stunted compared with urban children (AOR 1.23 [95% CI 1.16 to 1.29]). Children having a <24-mo preceding birth interval were 1.32 times as likely to be stunted compared with first births (AOR 1.32 [95% CI 1.26 to 1.38]). In addition, there was a 2% increase in stunted children for every unit increase in the age (mo) of children (AOR 1.02 [95% CI 1.01 to 1.02]). Multiple-birth children were 2.09 times as likely to be stunted compared with a singleton (AOR 2.09 [95% CI 1.91 to 2.28]).ConclusionsThe study revealed that more than one-third of children were stunted in SSA countries. Risk factors for childhood stunting were also identified. Effective interventions targeting factors associated with childhood stunting, such as maternal education, advanced maternal age, male sex, child’s age, longer birth interval, multiple-birth polygamy, improved household wealth and history of mothers’ involvement in multiple unions, are required to reduce childhood stunting in the region.

Organoleptic characteristic of goat milk kefir modified by fruity taste to improve early childhood nutrition

Research on the use of various fruits (lychees, strawberries, oranges, and grapes) to add nutritional value in kefir was conducted to 28 toddlers in early childhood age 4-5 years old. The study was carried out at Catering Laboratory FKIP Unsyiah, Dairy Science Production Technology and Laboratory and Al-Azhar Kindergarten Banda Aceh, Indonesia. The parameters observed in the first 3 months were to obtain a good kefir product. Data collection techniques used were sensory evaluation (observation test) conducted on 5 panelist and acceptance test (hedonic scale) by 28 toddlers as consumer panelists. Data was analysed using one way ANOVA with a significance level of 0.05. The results of the study based on observational tests by panelist noted that grape flavored kefir (M18) had the following characteristics: color 24.75, aroma 24.25, texture 24.5 and taste 24.25. The results of analysis on consumer acceptance showed that the preferred goat milk kefir was the orange flavored (M16) having an average value of 23.5 in color, 23.25 in aroma, 24 in texture, and 23 in taste. Consistency of fruit flavored kefir product was assessed. Also, based on the syneresis test, the kefir was popular in public especially at early childhood consumers.

Strategy for Decreasing the Rate of Stunting Through Early Childhood Health and Nutrition Training for Tutors/Parents of Early Childhood Education

Stunting also occurs in urban areas, i.e., DKI Jakarta. East Jakarta is the second-highest (25.7%) location where stunting occurred. Since this activity was conducted in Duren Sawit Subdistrict, where numerous people still received Healthy Jakarta Cards, special efforts were needed to reduce the high stunting rate. The method used is qualitative descriptive. The form of training is the participant observation method and demonstration, include cooking demonstrations and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). This efforts made to decrease the number of Stunting in Duren Sawit Subdistrict. The training was given to ± 35 ECE tutors and parents of students from various ECE in Duren Sawit Subdistrict. Tutors and parents seemed enthusiastic and active during the activities, especially when they were given the task to create a one-week healthy menu in groups and then closed with a demo of making a cake with purple sweet potato as ingredients.

The relationship between maternal nutrition in pregnancy and early childhood caries – a systematic literature review

Introduction. Odontogenesis of deciduous teeth is dependent on the intrauterine environment and shaped, among other things, by prenatal maternal nutrition. Proper deve-lopment of deciduous dentition, formation and mineralisation of the enamel and dentin determines the susceptibility to cariogenic factors. The current knowledge of the effects of prenatal nutrition and supplementation on the risk of early childhood caries (ECC) is unclear. Aim. An evaluation of the relationship between maternal nutrition in pregnancy and the risk of early childhood caries (ECC). Material and methods. A systematic review of literature on the association between prenatal maternal nutrition and early childhood caries was performed based on both electronic and manual search through medical databases, i.e. PubMed, EMBASE and MEDLINE, which allowed to identify 6 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. The risk of bias was evaluated using the ROBINS-I questionnaire and a quality assessment of original papers was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Results. All analysed works were at a risk of bias associated with confounders affecting the intervention and interpretation of results. Four works were considered to be of good quality (NOS &gt; 6) and two other of medium quality. Conclusions. An increased maternal intake of vitamin D, calcium, dairy products, yoghurts and cheeses in pregnancy is an important factor reducing the risk of dental caries in their children. The risk of ECC is increased in the case of vitamin D deficiency, low intake of calcium and a diet high in fatty acids and carbohydrates.

Association between Sociodemographic Factors and Dietary Patterns in Children Under 24 Months of Age: A Systematic Review.

Background: Understanding early-life complementary feeding dietary patterns and their determining factors could lead to better ways of improving nutrition in early childhood. The purpose of this review was to evaluate evidence of the association between sociodemographic factors and dietary patterns (DPs) in children under 24 months. Methods: Medline (PubMed), Cochrane Central, NICE guidelines, and Trip database were searched for observational studies that evaluated sociodemographic factors and their associations with DP. Results: Seven studies were selected for the present review. High education level among mothers was inversely associated with unhealthy DPs and positively associated with healthy DPs. Higher household income was negatively associated with unhealthy DPs. Four studies showed a positive association between low household income and unhealthy DPs and three studies showed a positive association between higher household income and healthy DPs. Additionally, in younger mothers, body mass index (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2) and number of children were positively associated with unhealthy DPs. Conclusions: This review provides evidence of a positive association between mothers’ higher education level, higher household income, higher maternal age, and healthy dietary patterns as well as a negative association between these factors and unhealthy dietary patterns. Further studies from low- and middle-income countries are needed for comparison with associations showed in this review.

Social Determinants of American Indian Nutritional Health

ABSTRACTThe American Indian (AI) population suffers from significant health disparities, including nutrition-related chronic diseases (diabetes, cancer, and heart disease). Several risk factors for disease and social determinants of health have unique histories in the AI population, including historical trauma, boarding schools, adverse childhood experiences, poverty, federal food programs, and food deserts. To effectively address these disparities, a multipronged approach in collaboration with stakeholders is needed to address the upstream social determinants of health and to increase access to healthier foods. Promising practices and strategies can be considered in several focus areas, including 1) improving existing food programs, 2) promoting breastfeeding and early childhood nutrition, 3) promoting food sovereignty and access to traditional foods, 4) expanding locally cultivated foods, and 5) taxing unhealthy foods and subsidizing healthier options. As these strategies are implemented, it is vital that they are studied, evaluated, and reported to expand tribally specific evidence-based practices.

BIMBINGAN PENYULUHAN TERHADAP PEMAHAMAN ORANG TUADALAM MENCEGAH STUNTING PADA ANAK USIA DINI

Stunting is a condition of malnutrition status that is chronic in the period of growth and development since the beginning of life. One effort in the prevention of Stunting in early childhood is through increasing knowledge, attitudes and behavior about nutritional counseling. Therefore, to prevent stunting in children, mothers need to consume proper nutrition, especially during pregnancy until the child is born and is 18 months old. Parents' knowledge about nutritional health and food support for child nutrition needs to be conducted by conducting counseling, counseling, parenting programs and maximizing posyandu. With this kind of activity, of course parents will pay more attention to health and nutritional needs for children in the golden age of their development.Understanding of balanced nutrition in early childhood is also a trigger to prevent Stunting, so parents are able to understand food and nutrition needs for children according to their developmental stages. By doing guidance and counseling effectively in understanding Stunting problems in children, parents will pay more attention to Nutrition and Nutrition in early childhood.

Early Childhood Oral Health and Nutrition in Urban and Rural Nepal.

Globalization and urbanization in Nepal have driven a nutritional transition from an agricultural-based diet to an ultra-processed, sugary diet. This study assessed the nutrition and oral health of 836 children age 6 months to 6 years and their families in rural and urban Nepal. Mothers were interviewed about maternal–child oral health and nutrition, and children received dental exams and height and weight measurements. Analyses utilized SPSS statistical software. Most families lived within a 5-minute walk to a store selling ultra-processed snacks and sugary drinks. While most mothers knew sweets caused tooth decay, half of the children were given sweets daily, and 58.2% of children had dental caries. Caries began in the first 2 years and increased in prevalence and severity to age 6, when 74.3% had caries and 20% experienced mouth pain. Despite greater health knowledge and resources among urban mothers, urban children’s increased access to junk food and frequency of consumption was associated with higher prevalence and severity of caries compared to rural children. Severe caries was associated with malnutrition, especially in rural children. Preventive strategies are needed in early childhood to incorporate nutrition and oral health education and dental care into maternal–child health services, and develop policies to prohibit the sale of junk food around schools.

Child Poverty and Gender and Location Disparities in Zimbabwe: A Multidimensional Deprivation Approach

Despite global progress in the last 20 years in measuring multidimensional child poverty, most studies have focused on all children generally. This approach distorts how poverty affects differently aged and situated children. By measuring multidimensional child poverty among children ages five years and below in Zimbabwe (N = 6,418) and analyzing how this problem is correlated with gender and location, respectively, this article attempts to address such knowledge gaps. Using a rights‐based deprivation approach, 14 deprivation variables are selected from Zimbabwe’s 2015 Demographic and Health Survey secondary data. The items are tested for validity, reliability, and additivity, and deprivation estimates are established for those which are valid, reliable, and additive. Thereafter, their correlations with gender and location, separately, are computed. Analysis demonstrates that the most common deprivation forms among the children are early childhood development (78 percent), water (46 percent), health care (44 percent), sanitation (40 percent), shelter (30 percent), and nutrition (13 percent), separately. While there are quite negligible share differences between deprived boys and girls, all deprivations are highest in rural areas. Although all deprivations have largely insignificant correlations with gender, most are significantly correlated with location. Ultimately, the article highlights key disparity areas for effective antichild poverty interventions and future child poverty research.

P146 Fine Motor Development Through Mealtime Lessons in Head Start Classroom

Background Early childhood nutrition and kindergarten readiness are pillars of child development. Factors such as food insecurity, socioeconomic status and the built environment effect childhood nutrition and academic success. This project aims to improve fine motor development through concentrated mealtime activities. Objective Assess the feasibility of a mealtime curricula to promote fine motor skill development in Head Start classrooms. Study Design, Settings, and Participants First teacher surveys and in-depth interviews, were administered, collecting demographic information, teacher responsibilities, and the classroom environment. Mealtime observational assessments were collected at baseline, mid-point, and end of study period. Eight week-long mealtime fine motor skill lessons were implemented. Post implementation evaluation surveys were conducted. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Descriptive analysis was conducted of survey data, including correlation analysis of teacher knowledge/ experience/ values and classroom facilitators and barriers. Interviews collected facilitators and barriers of mealtime feasibility, constraints, and perceptions of familial mealtime practices. Qualitative data were coded for themes using a three-coder model. Classroom observation data was categorized by feeding style, pedagogical approach, barriers, positive/ negative feeding cues, and other factors of mealtime facilitation. Lesson plan evaluations provided teacher perspectives of project feasibility. Results Key interview and survey findings included a teacher focus of role-modeling during meal-time, behavior reinforcement, and attempts of parent communication. Furthermore, teachers desire tools to help with mealtime feeding behaviors and skill building. Overall, teachers were successful in implementing fine motor lessons. Lessons which practice fine motor skills in multiple settings were rated most positively. Barriers of implementation included breaks in the school schedule, lack of parent reinforcement, and unpredictable menu cycles. Conclusion Teachers were overall positive and willing to implement mealtime lessons, and reported positive feedback regarding increased structure around mealtime. Mealtime lessons present an opportunity to merge concepts of fine motor development and positive feeding practices. Funding Texas State University, Caminitos Research Collaborative.

Extent and Depth of Child Poverty and Deprivation in Zimbabwe: a Multidimensional Deprivation Approach

With recognition that poverty affects children in many ways that income-centric measures cannot demonstrate, there is increasing emphasis in multidimensional measurement of child poverty. Unfortunately, Zimbabwe has not kept pace with such important developments. This article applies a multidimensional deprivation approach to examine the extent and depth of child poverty and deprivation among children ages 5 years and below in Zimbabwe using 2015 Demographic and Health Survey data (N = 6418). Fourteen items are selected and tested for validity, reliability and additivity using robust statistical methods. Deprivation estimates are then produced at item level. Thereafter, the items are combined into a deprivation index and relevant deprivation estimates are produced. All deprivation estimates are distributed by gender and location. Results show that the commonest deprivation forms are early childhood development (78%), water (46%), healthcare (44%), sanitation (40%), shelter (30%) and nutrition (13%), respectively. The majority of deprived children in the study are deprived in two items and the least in ten or more items. However, 77% of all the children in the study are ‘absolutely poor’, that is, severely deprived of at least two items. While there are no significant share differences between male and female deprived children, all deprivations are highest in rural areas. Various policy strategies to help address these deprivations are suggested. Overall, the study contributes to the growing emphasis that child poverty is not all about income. It also highlights the importance of routine collection of better statistics to better inform anti-child poverty responses.

1416-P: Impact of Birth Weight Category on Early Childhood Growth in the Offspring of Women with Diabetes

Maternal diabetes mellitus (DM) affects fetal growth and we sought to examine the impact of birth weight category on growth in the first 3 years of life. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 787 women with gestational (n=629) or pre-gestational DM (n=158). Maternal characteristics and perinatal outcomes, as well as childhood height and weight through age 3, were collected. Bivariate and multivariable linear regression analyses were used to assess factors associated with early childhood growth. We compared weight z-scores and BMI at 6 months, 1, 2, and 3 years of age among those born small for gestational status (SGA) (n=71), adequate for gestational age (AGA) (n=619) and large for gestational age (LGA) (n=97). Weight z-scores and BMI at all time points were higher in infants born LGA and lower among those with SGA birth weight. BMI &amp;gt;85th percentile at age 3 was more common in offspring born LGA compared to those born AGA or SGA (44.57 vs. 21.09 vs. 12.9%, p&amp;lt;0.001). After adjusting for covariates, birth weight category remained significantly associated with BMI at ages 2 and 3 (Table). Our findings suggest that birth weight category is a significant predictor of early childhood growth, and interventions that reduce the prevalence of LGA birth weight or optimize early childhood nutrition may impact long-term obesity risks. Disclosure M.N. Feghali: None. S. Caritis: None. C.M. Scifres: None. Funding National Institutes of Health (K23HD092893)

62 Nutritional risk in early childhood and later school concern outcomes

Nutrition in early childhood is important for healthy growth and development. Few studies have examined long-term developmental outcomes. To determine if nutritional risk in early childhood is associated with later school concern outcomes. This longitudinal cohort study including children enrolled in the TARGet Kids! research network in Toronto, Canada between 2008 and 2018. Nutritional risk was measured in early childhood using the NutriSTEPTM, a validated 17-item parent-completed questionnaire. The NutriSTEPTM total score ranges from 0–68, with eating behaviours and dietary intake sub-scores. High nutritional risk can be defined using a cut off score > 21. Parent reported school concerns were measured at 4–10 years using the question “has the school expressed any concern about your child: speech and language; learning; attention; behaviour; social relationships with other children; physical coordination; fine motor coordination; self help skill and independence; and no concern”. Multiple logistic regressions were used to examine the relationships between nutritional risk exposures and the school concern outcome (any concern or no concern), adjusting for child sex, age, ethnicity, maternal education, family income, family living arrangements, and a previous diagnosis of developmental delay. The study included 3650 children, 52% were male, 14% had high nutritional risk and 21% of parents reported school concern. Each one-unit increase in total NutriSTEPTM score was associated with an increased odds of school concern (adj OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01 – 1.04) and high nutritional risk was associated with an increased odds of school concern (adj OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.12 – 1.96). The eating behaviours and dietary intake sub-scores were both significantly associated with an increased odds of school concern with the magnitude of association being stronger for eating behaviours (see table 1). Nutritional risk in early childhood was associated with later parent reported school concern, with the largest impact from high risk eating behaviours. Future research could assess this relationship using teacher reported measures of school readiness (i.e. Early Development Instrument). Clinical trials of nutritional interventions in early childhood could examine school developmental outcomes.

Early Childhood Nutrition Knowledge of Caregivers in Tanzania

Childhood stunting is a pressing health issue in Tanzania and results from chronic infections and inadequate nutrition. Educating caregivers on the nutritional determinants, their consequences, and appropriate solutions may improve nutrition-related practices among caregivers in Tanzania. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with Tanzanian caregivers’ knowledge of childhood nutrition practices. Data for this study came from a cross-sectional survey of 4,095 caregivers of children under 24 months living in the Geita, Kagera, Kigoma, Mwanza, and Shinyanga regions of Tanzania. Complete responses relating to demographic and socioeconomic factors, media exposure, and early childhood nutrition knowledge were analyzed using multiple linear regression modeling techniques. Caregivers’ knowledge concerning proper early childhood nutrition practices was found to be significantly related to using a mobile banking account (p&lt;.0001), owning a working radio with batteries (p&lt;.0001), having watched television recently (p&lt;.0001), residing in a southern lake region (p&lt;.0001), affiliating with a Christian faith (p=0.0027), having more children under the age of 5 (p=0.0005), having received advice on maternal nutrition before pregnancy (p&lt;.0001) and having received advice from a community health worker (p=0.0184). Living in a rural environment (p&lt;.0001) and speaking a non-mainstream language (p&lt;0.05) were significantly associated with decreased knowledge. The influences of media and technology, socio-demographic factors and traditional health education may be important in the development of accurate childhood nutrition knowledge among caregivers. These factors may be targeted for future community health worker efforts with vulnerable populations in Tanzania to prevent stunting.

Early Childhood Nutrition, Parental Growth Perceptions and Educational Aspirations in Rural Burkina Faso

Early childhood nutrition can have long-term impacts on human capital outcomes. Besides direct biological effects, parents’ perceptions of exogenous nutrition shocksimpacts and their adjustments in subsequent investments, can amplify these direct effects on long-run outcomes. Understanding and anticipating parental perceptions and responses can improve the design of policies aimed at improving child nutrition. Using a randomised trial providing nutrition supplementation to children from 9 to 18 months old in Burkina Faso, we investigate how parental growth perceptions and educational aspirations respond to this positive shock when these children grow to 3–5 years old. We find that the intervention significantly increases parents rating their child’s physical and cognitive development as ‘Very good’. We find no significant impact on educational aspirations on average, but the intervention increases the probability that parents report that they would allow a girl to pursue post-secondary education by 13.4 percentage points (22.2%); if the household belongs to the poorest quantile in the sample, then this probability increases by 16.3 percentage points (37.2%). These heterogeneous effects suggest that early childhood nutrition interventions may stimulate complementary investments in human capital by parents that could amplify the direct effects and further enable disadvantaged children to catch up.

Enhancing young children’s language acquisition through parent–child book-sharing: A randomized trial in rural Kenya

Worldwide, 250 million children under five (43%) are not meeting their developmental potential because they lack adequate nutrition and cognitive stimulation in early childhood. Several parent support programs have shown significant benefits for children’s development, but the programs are often expensive and resource intensive. The objective of this study was to test several variants of a potentially scalable, cost-effective intervention to increase cognitive stimulation by parents and improve emergent literacy skills in children. The intervention was a modified dialogic reading training program that used culturally and linguistically appropriate books adapted for a low-literacy population. We used a cluster randomized controlled trial with four intervention arms and one control arm in a sample of caregivers (n?=?357) and their 24- to 83-month-old children (n?=?510) in rural Kenya. The first treatment group received storybooks, while the other treatment arms received storybooks paired with varying quantities of modified dialogic reading training for parents. Main effects of each arm of the trial were examined, and tests of heterogeneity were conducted to examine differential effects among children of illiterate vs. literate caregivers. Parent training paired with the provision of culturally appropriate children’s books increased reading frequency and improved the quality of caregiver-child reading interactions among preschool-aged children. Treatments involving training improved storybook-specific expressive vocabulary. The children of illiterate caregivers benefited at least as much as the children of literate caregivers. For some outcomes, effects were comparable; for other outcomes, there were differentially larger effects for children of illiterate caregivers.

Study on acrylamide accumulation in the model system based on animal raw materials depending on thermal treatment regimes

The aim of the investigation was to study an effect of thermal treatment parameters on the content of reducing sugars, amino acids and acrylamide in the meat model system depending on the thermal treatment regime. The authors studied an influence of the reaction of melanoidine formation on the concentration of amino acids and reducing sugars at different thermal treatment regimes and established a decrease in the total amino acid content by 7 % upon the standard sterilization regime and by 11 % when increasing the temperature or duration of thermal treatment. It was found that at the same temperature with an increase in duration of thermal treatment up to 50 min., the acrylamide level increased by 1.6 times. Exposure of the model samples to a temperature of 120 °С for 50 min. had the highest effect on the level of acrylamide accumulation compared to the traditional sterilization regime of canned foods for child nutrition and the regime with an increased temperature of up to 130 °С. The obtained data will allow developing new meat products with the reduced content of unsafe components for nutrition in early childhood.

Assessing socioeconomic inequalities in the reduction of child stunting in sub-Saharan Africa

Health and nutrition in early childhood are essential for survival, growth and adult life outcomes. As such, a number of global and national interventions have been pursued to improve early childhood health and nutrition. However, child malnutrition is pervasive and endemic across the sub Saharan Africa. This paper therefore assesses the nature and trends of socioeconomic inequalities in child stunting. The paper proceeds to decompose the causes of such socioeconomic-related inequalities over the period covered. We used data from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHSs) for ten sub-Saharan African countries conducted between 2000 and 2016. The study employs an extension to the concentration index for binary health outcomes to measure socioeconomic inequalities in stunting and decompose the causes of inequalities in stunting using a generalized decomposition technique based on recentered influence function regressions. The results show substantial pro-rich inequalities in child stunting across sub-Saharan Africa. The incidence of stunting are concentrated among children living in households with low socioeconomic status. In spite of persistent declines in the prevalence of stunting among children under 5 years across the study countries since 2000, trends in socioeconomic inequalities in stunting are mixed. We find significant contributions of child, maternal, and household characteristics to inequalities in child stunting. The results suggest that there is the need to design and target nutrition-based interventions at children in low socioeconomic households. In addition, promoting female education and improving access to health and nutrition information will be key to improving child nutrition across the region.