Nutrient Intakes Of Infants Research Articles

Nutrient density and oral processing properties of common commercial complementary porridge samples used in Southern Africa: effect on energy and protein intakes among children aged 6-24 months.

Child malnutrition is an endemic public health problem in Africa. Infants are supposed to receive complementary foods from about six months onwards, as breastmilk alone no longer provide adequate nutrients. Commercially available complementary foods (CACFs) form an important part of baby foods in developing countries. However, systematic evidence on whether they really meet optimal quality specifications for infant feeding is limited. Some CACFs commonly used in Southern Africa and other parts of the world were investigated to establish if they meet optimal quality standards for protein and energy content, viscosity, and oral texture. For the energy content, most CACFs for 6-24-month-old children both in the dry and ready-to-eat forms (range: 372.0 kJ/100 g - 1816.0 kJ/100 g), were below Codex Alimentarius guidelines. The protein density of all CACFs (0.48-1.3 g/100 kJ) conformed with Codex Alimentarius requirements, but some (33%) were below the minimum World Health Organization (2019a) target of 0.7 g/100 kJ. Most CACFs had high viscosity values even at high shear rate of 50 s-1 , and were too thick or thick, sticky, grainy, and slimy, which may limit nutrient intake in infants, potentially causing child malnutrition. There is a need to improve the oral viscosity and sensory texture of CACFs for better nutrient intake by infants. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Food consumption patterns and nutrient intakes of infants and young children amidst the nutrition transition: the case of Lebanon

BackgroundThis is the first study on dietary intakes of infants and young children in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, a region that is currently witnessing the nutrition transition. It aims at characterizing food consumption patterns amongst 0–4 year old children in Lebanon, evaluating their macro- and micronutrient intakes and assessing adherence to dietary recommendations.MethodsBased on a national cross-sectional survey in 2012 (n = 866), the study collected data on sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics, and one 24-hour dietary recall was administered. Nutrient intakes were compared with reference values: Estimated Average Requirement (EAR), Adequate Intake (AI) and Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR).ResultsMilk was the highest contributor to energy intake (EI) in infants (95.8 and 56.5% in 0–5.9 months and 6–11.9 months old infants, respectively), while its intake was lower among toddlers and preschoolers (35.4 and 15.1%, respectively). In contrast, intakes of sweets and sweetened beverages were the highest in preschoolers compared to younger children, contributing 18.5% EI in preschoolers. Compared to dietary guidelines, the lowest dietary adherence was found for vegetables (17.8–20.7%) and fruits (14.4–34.3%). Protein intake was within the recommendations for the vast majority of children. Although total fat intake was lower in toddlers and preschoolers compared to infants, more than 40% of toddlers and preschoolers exceeded the AMDR for fat and 87.3% of preschoolers exceeded the upper limit for saturated fat. Only 3.6% of toddlers and 11.5% of preschoolers exceeded the AI level for dietary fiber. Micronutrient intake assessment showed that mean intakes in infants exceeded the AI for all micronutrients, except for vitamin D and magnesium. In toddlers, vitamin D and calcium were below the EAR among 84.7, and 44.6%, respectively. In preschoolers, most of the children (91.9%) had inadequate intakes of vitamin D, and a third had inadequate intakes of folate, calcium and vitamin A.ConclusionsThis study identified priority issues for nutrition intervention in infants and young children in Lebanon. Concerted multi-stakeholder efforts are needed to instill heathier food consumption and nutrient intake patterns early in life.

5.2 Reference Nutrient Intakes of Infants, Children, and Adolescents.

5.2 Reference Nutrient Intakes of Infants, Children, and Adolescents.

Nutrients Intakes From Complementary Foods Are Associated With the Cardiometabolic Profile of 3-5-Year-Old Peruvian Amazonian Children

ObjectivesCharacterize relationships between dietary patterns and the cardiometabolic profile of Peruvian children at risk of undernutrition. MethodsThe study was nested in the Peru site of the ‘MAL-ED’ study, a longitudinal birth cohort to evaluate relationships between diet, enteric exposures and child growth and development. Dietary recalls were collected from 9–24 months of age. At 3–5 years, we conducted a follow-up. Three additional dietary recalls were collected, and blood pressure, height, weight, subscapular skinfolds, and fasting plasma glucose, insulin, and lipid profiles were assessed. Nutrient intakes were expressed as average density per 100 kcals i) from 9–24 months, and ii) at follow-up. Reduced rank regression (RRR) was used to identify the combination of nutrient intakes explaining the greatest variation in the outcome variables. Multiple linear regression models adjusting for subscapular skinfold-for-age Z-scores (SSFZ) were used to test whether observed relationships were mediated by body composition. ResultsOf the 153 children included, 26% were stunted at follow-up. RRR extracted 2 factors explaining 7% of the variation in infant nutrient intakes and 12% of the variation in response variables. The first factor had higher loadings for vitamin D, calcium, and cholesterol, while the second had higher loadings for non-animal source protein and iron. RRR also extracted 2 factors from the child intake data. These factors had higher loadings for sugar and fats, and sugar and protein, respectively. The first infant RRR factor was associated with lower plasma triglycerides and higher high-density lipoprotein, whereas the second was associated with higher homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and weight-for-height Z-scores (WHZ). The first child RRR factor was associated with higher triglycerides, HOMA-IR, and WHZ, and the second was related to higher blood pressure. Associations with glucose and insulin, but not blood pressure or cholesterol, were attenuated after adjusting for SSFZ. ConclusionsNutrient densities of the diet in each childhood are associated with cardiometabolic profile in a chronically undernourished population. Funding SourcesThe project was supported by the Thrasher Foundation and the BMGF.

Development and Evaluation of an Automated Algorithm to Estimate the Nutrient Intake of Infants from an Electronic Complementary Food Frequency Questionnaire

Background: We previously validated a four-day complementary food frequency questionnaire (CFFQ) to estimate the nutrient intake in New Zealand infants aged 9-12 months. However, manual entry of the CFFQ data into nutritional analysis software was time-consuming. Therefore, we developed an automated algorithm and evaluated its accuracy by comparing the nutrient estimates with those obtained from the nutritional analysis software. Methods: We analysed 50 CFFQ completed at 9- and 12-months using Food Works nutritional analysis software. The automated algorithm was programmed in SAS by multiplying the average daily consumption of each food item by the nutrient content of the portion size. We considered the most common brands for commercially prepared baby foods. Intakes of energy, macronutrients, and micronutrients were compared between methods using Bland-Altman analysis. Results: The automated algorithm did not have any significant bias for estimates of energy (kJ) (MD 15, 95% CI -27, 58), carbohydrate (g) (MD -0.1, 95% CI -1.2,1.0), and fat (g) (-0.1, 95% CI -0.3,0.1), but slightly underestimated intake of protein (MD -0.4 g, 95% CI -0.7,-0.1), saturated fat, PUFA, dietary fibre, and niacin. The algorithm provided accurate estimates for other micronutrients. The limits of agreement were relatively narrow. Conclusion: This automated algorithm is an efficient tool to estimate the nutrient intakes from CFFQ accurately. The small negative bias observed for few nutrients was clinically insignificant and can be minimised. This algorithm is suitabl

Nutrient density of common African indigenous/local complementary porridge samples

Child malnutrition is a major public health burden in Africa, and porridge rheology appears to be important. The flow properties (viscosity) of 8 common indigenous/locally available African complementary porridges plus a commercial reference were investigated using a rotational rheometer at shear rates 0.001/s – 100/s and 40 °C, to predict efficacy in meeting the reference nutrient intakes (RNI) for energy and protein in infants (6–12 months) and young children (13–24 months). Energy and protein densities were calculated based on solids (g/100 g porridge) at which the porridges had viscosity of 3 Pa s. Porridge apparent viscosity showed first-order exponential increase with increasing solids at all shear rates. Maize, sorghum and cassava porridges had very high viscosity profiles compared to a reference and Orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP). At very low shear rates estimated for infant oral processing, all indigenous complementary porridges except OFSP, were below the RNI for energy in infants (6–24 months). High viscosity at low shear rate in indigenous African complementary porridges seem to be an important contributor towards child malnutrition. Further work is required to correlate porridge rheology with in-mouth texture for African indigenous porridges, to improve their properties and optimize infant nutrient intake.

Validity and Reproducibility of a Semi-Quantitative Food-Frequency Questionnaire Designed to Measure the Nutrient Intakes of Canadian South Asian Infants at 12 Months of Age.

Purpose: Validated methods to assess diet of non-European infants are sparse. We assessed the validity and reliability of a semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for South Asian infants in Canada.Methods: We developed an 80-item FFQ to assess infant nutrient intake in the South Asian Birth Cohort study (START). Caregivers completed the FFQ twice along with two 24-hour diet recalls. We measured infant plasma ferritin to cross-validate reported iron intake. We evaluated validity using Spearman's rho (ρ), and reliability using the intraclass correlation coefficient.Results: Seventy-six caregivers provided 2 FFQs and 2 24-hour diet recalls. Energy-adjusted, de-attenuated correlations between the FFQs and 24-hour diet recalls ranged from -0.29 (monounsaturated fat) through 1.00 (cholesterol). The FFQ overestimated energy intake by 128%. Iron intake by 24-hour diet recalls correlated with plasma ferritin (r = 0.41; P = 0.01; n = 37), but iron intake by FFQ did not. The average reproducibility coefficient of the FFQ ranged from 0.24 (macronutrients) to 0.65 (minerals).Conclusions: Among South Asian infants living in Canada, at least 2 days of diet recall completed with the primary caregiver yields more valid and reproducible estimates of nutrient intakes than a semi-quantitative FFQ, and it highlights that careful selection of FFQ portion sizes is important for assessing dietary intake with an FFQ.

Contribution of Dairy Foods to Energy and Nutrient Intake in Infants’ and Toddlers’ Diets, 4–23 Months of Age: An Analysis of NHANES 2013–2016 Data

Abstract Objectives The objective of this study was to determine the contribution of total dairy, milk, cheese, and yogurt to energy and nutrient intake in infants’ and toddlers’ diets, age 4–23 months, using the most recent data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2016. Methods Data from NHANES 2013–2014 and 2015–2016 for subjects 4 months to less than 24 months of age was used with exclusions for consumers of human milk and those with incomplete data. Nutrient intakes from total dairy, milk (milk, flavored milk, dairy drinks, and substitutes), cheese, and yogurt were determined using the USDA databases. Separate analyses were done for age groups: 4–6 months (n = 136), 7–11 months (n = 226), 12–17 months (n = 200) and 18–23 months (n = 196) after adjusting for complex sample design of NHANES. Results Conclusions Contribution of dairy foods for energy and most nutrients was 1% or less for infants 4–6 months, 16% or less for ages 7–11months and more than 25% for age 12–17 months and 18–23 months; and milk was always the main contributor of energy and most nutrients. Funding Sources National Dairy Council.

A study on nutrient intakes of infants with atopic dermatitis according to food restriction

A study on nutrient intakes of infants with atopic dermatitis according to food restriction

Validation of a Complementary Food Frequency Questionnaire to assess infant nutrient intake.

Dietary assessment in infants is challenging but necessary to understand the relationship between nutrition and growth and development. Currently no simple, validated methods exist to assess nutrient intake in New Zealand (NZ) infants. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the relative validity and reproducibility of a Complementary Food Frequency Questionnaire (CFFQ) to determine nutrient intakes of NZ infants. Ninety‐five parent–infant pairs (infant age 10 ± 1 months) completed the CFFQ twice (CFFQ‐1 and CFFQ‐2), 4 weeks apart (to assess reproducibility). A 4‐day weighed food record (4dWFR) was collected between CFFQ administrations (to assess validity). Validity and reproducibility were assessed for intakes of energy and 18 nutrients using Bland–Altman analysis, Pearson's correlation coefficients, cross‐classification, and weighted Kappa (κ). The CFFQ showed acceptable validity: Nutrients from the CFFQ were comparable with the 4dWFR (bias, 9–28%), correlation between methods ranged from r = .18 (saturated fat) to r = .81 (iron; mean r = .52), 54% (mean) of participants were correctly classified (range 39% to 67%), and 7.1% (mean) misclassified into opposite tertiles (range 2.1% to 14.7%). There was acceptable agreement between the CFFQ and 4dWFR (κ = 0.20–0.60). The CFFQ showed good reproducibility: Correlations ranged from r = .34 (folate) to r = .80 (zinc); for 16 nutrients, >50% of participants were correctly classified, and for all nutrients, <10% of participants were grossly misclassified. All nutrients showed acceptable to good agreement (κ > 0.20). The CFFQ has acceptable relative validity and good reproducibility for assessing nutrient intake in NZ infants aged 9–12 months, making it a useful tool for use in future research.

Dynamic Oral Texture Properties of Selected Indigenous Complementary Porridges Used in African Communities.

Child malnutrition remains a major public health problem in low-income African communities, caused by factors including the low nutritional value of indigenous/local complementary porridges (CP) fed to infants and young children. Most African children subsist on locally available starchy foods, whose oral texture is not well-characterized in relation to their sensorimotor readiness. The sensory quality of CP affects oral processing (OP) abilities in infants and young children. Unsuitable oral texture limits nutrient intake, leading to protein-energy malnutrition. The perception of the oral texture of selected African CPs (n = 13, Maize, Sorghum, Cassava, Orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP), Cowpea, and Bambara) was investigated by a trained temporal-check-all-that-apply (TCATA) panel (n = 10), alongside selected commercial porridges (n = 19). A simulated OP method (Up-Down mouth movements- munching) and a control method (lateral mouth movements- normal adult-like chewing) were used. TCATA results showed that Maize, Cassava, and Sorghum porridges were initially too thick, sticky, slimy, and pasty, and also at the end not easy to swallow even at low solids content—especially by the Up-Down method. These attributes make CPs difficult to ingest for infants given their limited OP abilities, thus, leading to limited nutrient intake, and this can contribute to malnutrition. Methods to improve the texture properties of indigenous CPs are needed to optimize infant nutrient intake.

The 2016 Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study (FITS): Dietary Intakes and Practices of Children in the United States from Birth to 48 Months.

FITS (the Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study) 2016 is a national, cross-sectional survey to evaluate the diets and feeding practices of US infants and children <48 months (n = 3,235). Dietary intakes were assessed using 24-h recalls, including a replicate subsample (n = 799), to estimate usual intake distributions and compliance with dietary reference intakes using the National Cancer Institute method. Infant feeding practices and 1-day food group consumption were assessed by age and participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Initiation and duration of breastfeeding were higher in 2016 compared to previous FITS surveys. Nutrient intakes of infants were largely adequate, except for vitamins D and E and iron (18% did not meet the iron recommendations at 6-11.9 months). WIC-participating infants were more likely to meet iron recommendations, potentially due to higher use of infant formula. More nutrient inadequacies were noted among toddlers and preschoolers, including low intakes of potassium (12+ months), fiber (12+ months), and vitamins D and E (12+ months), combined with high intakes of sodium and added sugars, especially among WIC participants, and saturated fat among those 24-36 months. These imbalances result from low intakes of vegetables and whole grains, and high intakes of processed meats, sweetened bakery foods, and sugar-sweetened beverages.

Pengaruh Pemberian MP-ASI Campuran Tepung Pisang Awak dan Beras Serta Kecambah Kedelai Terhadap Asupan Zat Gizi Bayi

The high prevalence of malnutrition in infancy until the age of two years relating to the provision of inadequate complementary feeding. The low quantity and quality of complementary feeding will trigger nutrient insufficient intake in infants. This research aimed to know the influence of the giving of the complementary feeding mixed of flour awak banana and rice and soy bean sprout against the nutrients intake of infants. The study design was quasy experimental non-equivalent control group, with a number of samples were divided into three groups: the first group given complementary feeding mix awak banana and rice flours, the second group was given complementary feeding mix awak banana, rice and sprouts soy flours, and groups third as a control, each consisting of 25 infants aged 6-9 months. The intervention was conducted for 3 months and data consumption is measured using a 24-hour food recall. Data analyzed using Anova test. The results showed generally granting complementary feeding mixed awak banana and rice and soybean sprouts flours can increase the nutrients intake of babies during the intervention. These two types of complementary feeding can increase energy and protein babies intake, but complementary feeding mixed of awak banana, rice and soy sprouts flours can increase vitamin A intake, while the complementary feeding mixed of awak banana and rice flours can increase iron intake. In conclusion, the mixed of awak banana and rice and soybean sprouts flours can be made ascomplementary feeding alternative to improve the nutritional intake of infants.&#x0D; The high prevalence of malnutrition in infants under two years of age relating to the provision of inadequate complementary feeding. The low quantity and quality of complementary feeding will trigger insufficient nutrient intakes of infants. This research aimed to determine the effects of complementary feeding mixed of of awak banana, rice, and sprouted soybean flouron nutrient intakes of infants. The study employed quasi experimental non-equivalent control group design. Samples were divided into three groups; the first group was given complementary feeding mixed of awak banana and rice flour. The second group was given complementary feeding mixed of ofawak banana, rice, and sprouted soybean flour. The last group was served as control. Each group consisted of 25 infants aged 6-9 months. The study was conducted for 3 months. Data were measured using a 24-hour food recall and analyzed using Anova test. The results showed that complementary feeding mixed of ofawak banana, rice, and sprouted soybean flour could increase the nutrient intakes of infants during the intervention. The two ways of complementary feeding could increase energy and protein of babies. Complementary feeding mixed of awak banana, rice, and sprouted soybean flour could increase vitamin A intake, while the complementary feeding mixed of awak banana and rice flour can increase iron intake. In conclusion, the mixture of awak banana, rice, and sprouted soybean flour could be as alternative way of complementary feeding to improve the nutritient intakes of infants.

Impact of a Modified Version of Baby-Led Weaning on Infant Food and Nutrient Intakes: The BLISS Randomized Controlled Trial.

Despite growing international interest in Baby-Led Weaning (BLW), we know almost nothing about food and nutrient intake in infants following baby-led approaches to infant feeding. The aim of this paper was to determine the impact of modified BLW (i.e., Baby-Led Introduction to SolidS; BLISS) on food and nutrient intake at 7–24 months of age. Two hundred and six women recruited in late pregnancy were randomized to Control (n = 101) or BLISS (n = 105) groups. All participants received standard well-child care. BLISS participants also received lactation consultant support to six months, and educational sessions about BLISS (5.5, 7, and 9 months). Three-day weighed diet records were collected for the infants (7, 12, and 24 months). Compared to the Control group, BLISS infants consumed more sodium (percent difference, 95% CI: 35%, 19% to 54%) and fat (6%, 1% to 11%) at 7 months, and less saturated fat (−7%, −14% to −0.4%) at 12 months. No differences were apparent at 24 months of age but the majority of infants from both groups had excessive intakes of sodium (68% of children) and added sugars (75% of children). Overall, BLISS appears to result in a diet that is as nutritionally adequate as traditional spoon-feeding, and may address some concerns about the nutritional adequacy of unmodified BLW. However, BLISS and Control infants both had high intakes of sodium and added sugars by 24 months that are concerning.

Limitations of the Evidence Base Used to Set Recommended Nutrient Intakes for Infants and Lactating Women

Reported values for concentrations of micronutrients in human milk form the basis of the majority of micronutrient intake recommendations for infants and the additional maternal requirements for lactation. The infant recommendations may also be extrapolated to provide estimates for young children. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the adequacy of the milk micronutrient concentration data used by the Institute of Medicine to set recommendations for the United States and Canada, by FAO/WHO, the United Kingdom, and the European Food Safety Authority. The concentrations accepted by each agency are presented for each micronutrient accompanied by the source of information and comments on the number, location, status, and stage of lactation of the sample population, where known. These summaries show the small number of participants from which samples were collected in most studies, the wide range of concentrations within studies, the lack of longitudinal data, and the variability in collection methods. These factors contribute to the variability in nutrient intake recommendations among committees, although this variability is reduced by some committees that accept milk-composition values proposed by others. Values are also summarized from milk collected in studies in which mothers or infants were known to be deficient on the basis of clinical symptoms, biomarkers of inadequacy, or both, to show the extent to which milk micronutrients can be reduced by poor maternal nutritional status. We conclude that a new, multicenter study is needed to establish reference values for milk constituents across lactation.

Energy and nutrient intake of infants and young children in pastoralist communities of Ethiopia.

Nutrient intake from complementary foods often is suboptimal in subsistent farming households of developing countries, but little is known about this in pastoralist communities. The aim of this study was to estimate the energy and nutrient intake of children ages 6 to 23mo living in pastoralist communities of Ethiopia. As part of the Ethiopian National Food Consumption Survey, 24-h dietary recall data were collected through in-home interviews from a nationally representative sample. In the present study, we report on the feeding characteristics, energy and nutrient intake of infants and young children (ages 6-23mo) living in pastoralist communities (N=896) of Ethiopia. Energy and nutrient intakes were estimated and compared with estimated needs from complementary foods. The nutrient density of the complementary diets was compared with desired densities. About one-third of the children were stunted. Diets were predominantly dairy and cereal-based. The dietary diversity score was low (2±1.2). Consumption of nutrient-dense foods such as animal source foods (other than milk), vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables was very low. Energy intake from complementary foods were inadequate. Multiple micronutrient deficiencies including thiamin, niacin, iron, zinc, and calcium and in some instances vitamins A and C were observed in young children. The number of micronutrients for which intake was found deficient increased with child's age. Energy and nutrient intakes from complementary foods are inadequate in pastoralist communities of Ethiopia. Interventions that improve knowledge and practice of complementary feeding are needed in this setting.

Study on the contribution rate of follow-up formula to the nutrient intake of infants and young children aged 7-24 months in China

Objective: To determine the contribution of follow-up formula (FUF) to the nutrient intake of 7-24-month-old infants and young children. Methods: The cluster random sampling method and the convenience sampling method were used in combination, and geographic and economic factors were taken into consideration. Four areas of China (Beijing, Hebei, Guangxi, Guangdong) were selected, with 120 infants chosen from each of these areas (half of which were 7-12 months old, and half were 13-24 months old). A dietary survey was completed by a continuous 24-hour weighing method over two days. Questionnaires were completed by their caregivers which included weighing the FUF and supplementary food given to the infant, and recording the frequency of breast feeding and any supplementary nutrients. A total of 518 questionnaires were distributed, and 472 questionnaires qualified for inclusion. Nutrient intake was calculated using the China food composition, infant formula food nutrient content and infant nutrition supplement brand-label information databases, and then the nutrient intake proportion (the percentage of estimated energy requirement (EER%), recommended nutrient intake (RNI%) or adequate intake (AI%)), and the contribution rate of FUF were analyzed. Results: A total of 472 infants were investigated (227 infants aged 7-12 months old, 245 infants aged 13-24 months old). The findings revealed that the median energy intake of 7- 12-month-old and 13- 24-month-old infants were 2 530.08 kJ and 3 445.48 kJ, respectively, which accounted for 85.18% and 94.14% of EER, respectively; and the median intake of protein reached 91.50% and 105.88% of their RNI/AI, respectively. For micronutrients, the median intake of vitamin B1, vitamin B2, niacin, vitamin E, potassium, zinc and manganese in 7- 12-month-old infants and vitamin B2, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, iron and manganese in 13-24-month-old children accounted for 82.00% and 114.29% of RNI/AI (RNI%/AI%), respectively. The intake of vitamin B6, iron and selenium in 7-12-month-old infants and vitamin B1, vitamin B6, vitamin C, calcium and selenium in 13-24-month-old children was less than 80% RNI/AI. Furthermore, some nutrients showed higher intake levels, such as vitamin A, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in 7-12-month-old infants and vitamin A and phosphorus in 13-24-month-old children, which were higher than 130% RNI/AI. In total, 40.53% (92) of infants aged 7-12 months and 52.65% (129) of children aged 13- 24 months were fed FUF as part of their diet, and its contribution rate to macronutrients was 29.69% for carbohydrates and 51.77% for fats, and to micronutrients was 2.04% for manganese and 74.24% for vitamin C. Conclusion: FUF contributes to the nutrient intake of infants and young children aged from 7-24 months old at different rates depending on the macronutrient or micronutrient analyzed.

Nutrient intake of infants and toddlers in the United Arab Emirates: the Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study.

This descriptive study evaluated the nutrient adequacy of the diet of infants (aged 6-11.9 months) and toddlers (aged 12-24 months) in the United Arab Emirates. A random sample of 1000 infants and toddlers was recruited from 2 cities (Al Ain and Dubai) from March 2011 to February 2012 and their usual nutrient intake was determined using 24-hour recall. In all, 54.2% of infants and 25.2% of toddlers were breastfeeding. Mean energy intake of infant girls in Al Ain and Dubai was 747 (SD 189) kcal and 773 (SD 215) kcal respectively and 810.5 (SD 232.2) kcal and 821.9 (SD 262) kcal for boys. In toddlers, mean energy intake for girls in Al Ain and Dubai was 1032.8 (SD 252) kcal and 1013 (SD 339.1) kcal respectively and 1057.2 (SD 201.8) kcal and 1030.3 (SD 341.7) kcal for boys. Iron intake was low in both groups. Mean body mass index and body weight and height were similar to World Health Organization figures but significant numbers of infants and toddlers of both sexes were over- or underweight. Although mean energy and macronutrient intakes were comparable to the RDA, significant numbers were over- or underfed.

The SHINE Trial Infant Feeding Intervention: Pilot Study of Effects on Maternal Learning and Infant Diet Quality in Rural Zimbabwe.

The Sanitation Hygiene Infant Nutrition Efficacy (SHINE) trial is designed to measure the independent and combined effects of improved water, sanitation, and hygiene and improved infant feeding on child stunting and anemia in Zimbabwe. We developed and pilot-tested the infant feeding intervention delivered by 9 village health workers to 19 mothers of infants aged 7–12 months. Between September 2010 and January 2011, maternal knowledge was assessed using mixed methods, and infant nutrient intakes were assessed by 24-hour recall. We observed positive shifts in mothers' knowledge. At baseline, 63% of infants met their energy requirement and most did not receive enough folate, zinc, or calcium; none met their iron requirement. Postintervention, all infants received sufficient fat and vitamin A, and most consumed enough daily energy (79%), protein (95%), calcium (89%), zinc (89%), folate (68%), and iron (68%). The SHINE trial infant feeding intervention led to significant short-term improvements in maternal learning and infant nutrient intakes.

Nutrient intakes of infants and toddlers from maternal and child care centres in urban areas of China, based on one 24-hour dietary recall

An understanding of the diet of young children from infancy to early childhood in China is limited. The objective of this study is to evaluate nutrient intakes of young children from urban areas in China. Mothers, infants and children were recruited from maternal and child care centres as part of a cross-sectional survey of Maternal Infant Nutrition Growth (MING). One 24-h dietary recall was completed for a sample of infants and toddlers aged 6 to 35 months (n = 1409) via face-to-face interviews with the primary caregiver. Nutrient intakes were estimated using data from Chinese Food Composition tables and compared with the Adequate Intakes (AI) or Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) from China. Mean intakes of most nutrients met or exceeded AIs. Mean fat intakes (% energy) in all subgroups fell below the AIs (32 % vs. 40 % among infants; 31 % and 32 % vs. 35 % among younger and older toddlers). Mean intakes of vitamin B6, folate and selenium were below the AIs among infants (0.3 vs. 0.4 mg/d, 93 vs. 100 μg/d and 15.2 vs. 20 μg/d, respectively). A risk of inadequate iron intake was also observed in infants. Mean vitamin A intake exceeded the recommendations in all subgroups. Mean sodium intakes among toddlers significantly exceeded the AI. Based on one day dietary intake, the diets of the infants and toddlers appear to be adequate in mean intakes of most nutrients, with a few exceptions including risk of inadequate intakes of fat, vitamin B6, folate, iron and selenium among infants and risk of inadequate intake of fat, vitamin B6 and folate as well as excessive intakes of vitamin A and sodium among toddlers.