Nutritional Status Of Infants Research Articles

Infant feeding concerns in times of natural disaster: lessons learned from the 2014 flood in Kelantan, Malaysia.

The flood that hit Kelantan in December 2014 was the worst in Malaysian history. Women and their infants accounted for a large proportion of the people at risk who were badly affected, as almost half of the population in Kelantan was in the reproductive age group. This report serves to raise awareness that breastfeeding mothers and infants are a special population with unique needs during a disaster. Four of their concerns were identified during this massive flood: first, the negative impact of flood on infant nutritional status and their health; second, open space and lack of privacy for the mothers to breastfeed their babies comfortably at temporary shelters for flood victims; third, uncontrolled donations of infant formula, teats, and feeding bottles that are often received from many sources to promote formula feeding; and lastly, misconceptions related to breastfeeding production and quality that may be affected by the disaster. The susceptibility of women and their infant in a natural disaster enhances the benefits of promoting the breastfeeding rights of women. Women have the right to be supported which enables them to breastfeed. These can be achieved through monitoring the distribution of formula feeding, providing water, electricity and medical care for breastfeeding mothers and their infants. A multifaceted rescue mission team involving various agencies comprising of local government, including the health and nutrition departments, private or non-governmental organizations and individual volunteers have the potential to improve a satisfactory condition of women and infants affected by floods and other potential natural disasters.

Childhood mortality and Child nutritional status of Bangladesh: A review on Demographic and Health Survey

Background: Childhood mortality and child nutritional status of the developing countries are very much concerning issues of the world. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the situation of childhood mortality and child nutritional status of Bangladesh with the comparative analysis and progress of childhood mortality and child nutritional status from 1993 to 2014. Methodology: In this regard this paper reviews the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys (BDHS) conducted in 1993-94, 1996-97, 1999-2000, 2004, 2007, 2011 and 2014, which were analyzed on infant, child, under-five mortality and child nutritional status in detail. Result: The evidences reflected in BDHSs show that infant, child and under-five mortality in Bangladesh have declined steadily at least over the past years. However, differentials in trends and patterns of childhood mortality and even child nutritional status by the demographic determinants have not been explained elaborately. According to the 1993-1994 and the 2014 surveys found infant mortality two times, child mortality sex times and under-five mortality rates three times declined in 2014 than those were in 1993-94. On the contrary, stunning, wasting and underweight are also declined in 2014 comparatively than the last two decades but it is noted that wasting situation is not gradually declined. Conclusion: Bangladesh successfully declined the total number of childhood mortalities and nutrition related mortalities and complexities. Many non-government and government funded organizations should run some effective programs to overcome the situation completely in Bangladesh.Journal of Current and Advance Medical Research, 2015;2(2):42-46

Factors associated with nutritional status of infants and young children in Somali Region, Ethiopia: a cross- sectional study.

BackgroundInadequate nutrition during the first two years of life may lead to childhood morbidity and mortality, as well as inadequate brain development. Infants are at increased risk of malnutrition by six months, when breast milk alone is no longer sufficient to meet their nutritional requirements. However the factors associated with nutritional status of infants after 6 months of age have received little attention in pastoralist communities of Ethiopia. Therefore this study aimed to identify the factors associated with nutritional status of infants and young children (6–23 months) in Filtu town, Somali Region, Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional community-based study was conducted. Simple random sampling was employed to select 214 infants for the study. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions models were used in the statistical analysis. The strength of association was measured by odds ratios with 95 % confidence intervals. Both the crude (COR) and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) are reported.ResultsThe prevalence of wasting, stunting and underweight among infants and young children were 17.5 % (95 % CI: 12.91-23.22), 22.9 % (95 % CI: 17.6-28.9) and 19.5 % (95 % CI: 14.58-25.3) respectively. The multivariable logistic regression model showed that breastfeeding was independently associated with reduced odds of wasting (AOR = 0.38(95 % CI: 0.14-0.99)). Diarrhea in the past 15 days (AOR = 2.13 (95 % CI: 1.55-4.69)) was also associated with increased odds for wasting. The independent predictors of reduced odds for stunting were dietary diversity score ≥4 (AOR = 0.45(95 % CI: 0.21-0.95)) and introduction of complementary feeding at 6 months (AOR = 0.25 (95 % CI: 0.09-0.66)). Bottle feeding was associated with increased odds of stunting (AOR = 3.83 (95 % CI: 1.69-8.67)). Breastfeeding was associated with reduced odds of underweight (AOR = 0.24 (95 % CI: 0.1-0.59)), while diarrheal disease in the past 15 days was associated with increased odds of underweight (AOR = 3.54 (95 % CI: 1.17-7.72)).ConclusionUnder nutrition is a public health problem among infants and young children in Filtu town, Somali region Ethiopia. Breastfeeding was associated with lower odds of wasting and underweight while diarrheal disease was associated with higher odds of wasting and underweight. Low dietary diversity scores, inappropriate age of complementary feeding initiation and bottle feeding were identified to be significant predictors of stunting. Those factors should be considered for any intervention aimed to reduce under nutrition among infants and young children in Filitu town, Somali region, Ethiopia.

Structural Equation Modeling of the Factors Affecting the Nutritional Status of Children Under Five in Banyuwangi Region using Recursive (one-way) GSCA

Structural Equation Modeling is one among popular multivariate analysis, especially applied in pschology and marketing. There are two main types of Structural Equation Modeling namely covariance-based or CB-SEM and variance-based or Partial Least Square (PLS)- SEM. Both types have advantages and disadvantage. To overcome its limitation, Generalized Structured Component Analysis (GSCA) was then proposed as an extension of PLS-SEM. In estimating the parameters, GSCA uses Alternating Least Squares (ALS) and in estimating the standard error of the parameter estimates it uses the bootstrap method. In this paper, GSCA is applied to study the causality model of Infant nutritional status, in relation with socio-economic status and infantcare status in Banyuwangi Region. The results show that both socio-economic and infantcare status have significant positive influence on infant nutritional status.Keywords: Alternating least square, generalized structural component analysis, nutritional status of infants, structural equation modelling

Association of feeding practices and immunization with nutritional status of infants in jasra block of Allahabad district

Objective: The objective was to find the association of feeding practices and immunization with nutritional status of infants in Jasra Block of Allahabad district. Materials and Methods: A cohort study was conducted in a rural community among infants born during the period of November 2011 to April 2012. Information, Education and Counselling was given to their mothers starting from last 3 months of pregnancy and continued till the newborns completed 1-year of age. Then feeding practices, immunization, and nutritional status (in terms of weight for age) was assessed. Results: About 56.25% infants were exclusively breastfed and 53.75% infants were timely started on complementary feeding. 87.5% infants were fully immunized and the rest 12.5% were partially immunized. Growth of more than half of the infants, i.e., 47 (60%) followed a normal growth curve and weight of 33 (40%) infants was below 2 standard deviation. There was no significant difference between the mean weight at birth (i.e., 2.56 kg for infants with adequate feeding and immunization practices and 2.51 kg for infants with inadequate immunization and feeding practices). On the other hand, difference in the mean weight among two groups at 3, 6, and 9 months was statistically significant. Conclusion: Feeding practices and immunization have an association with nutritional status of infants in terms of better weight for age.

WS11.7 Feeding, growth and nutritional status of infants with CF diagnosed through newborn screening (NBS): Findings from a new multi-center study in the USA

Objective NBS for CF became universal in the USA in 2010. To identify optimal feeding for CF infants, a multi-center prospective study known as FIRST (Feeding Infants Right … from the STart) was initiated in 2012 to enroll 160 infants by 2016 at 5 CF Centers (Madison and Milwaukee, WI; Indianapolis, IN; Salt Lake City, UT; and Boston, MA). Method Nutritional status in the first year of life from 91 infants (52% boys) enrolled at 1.4±0.6 mo to FIRST was assessed biochemically and anthropometrically. By 31/12/14, 80 infants were 6 mo and 60 infants were 12 mo old. Result Growth was normal at birth [3210±505 g (41 st %tile) and 50.1±2.8 cm (63 rd %tile)] but declined to the 18 th %tile at age 2 mo. Catch-up growth was observed; weight increased to 33 rd %tile at 6 mo and 64 th %tile at 12 mo, but length did not fully recover at 12 mo (44 th %tile). At birth, 73% were breastfed: 65% exclusive (exB) and 8% combined with formula (B&F). The rate of exB decreased to 41% by 1 mo and 16% by 6 mo, while B&F and exF increased to 27% and 57%, respectively, at 6 mo. In the first 6 mo of life, 60% of infants received fortified breast milk or high caloric density formula (22–30 kcal/oz). Abnormal essential fatty acid status was common before age 3 mo with 18% deficient [triene-tetraene (T/T) ratio >0.02] and another 18% insufficient (T/T ratio >0.01). Low vitamin D [25(OH)D Conclusion This new infant study shows that early diagnosis/care leads to substantial catch-up growth but biochemical nutritional status remains suboptimal. (Funded by NIH/CFF).

275 A quality improvement program (QIP) aimed at improving nutritional status of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients aged 2–12 years at CF Centre Roscoff: Update at the end of the 3 year period

Background Roscoff CF Center enrolled in the French QIP PHARE-M in June 2011 and created a team responsible for carrying out the program in paediatric care. Objectives In patients aged 2–12 y, to attain a mean BMI Z-score = 0 and improve the mean FEV1 at the end of 2014. Methods FEV1% and BMI Z-scores were analysed for 139 patients (patient registry data 2010). The children aged 2–12 (n = 34) were selected as the intervention group as BMI Z-score varied from −3.5 to +1.8 (mean −0.5). Children were classified in 4 colour groups according to their BMI Z-score and a new process elaborated: in addition to shared baseline care, the number of consultations with a dietitian, calorie-intake evaluations, stool fat analyses, prescription of oral supplements varied for each group. Information was given to parents about i. the relationship between nutritional status and FEV1 illustrated with results from large international studies, ii. colour-coded BMI curve with the child path on the chart, iii. calorie-equivalent snack suggestions. Home weekly weighing, individual weight gain objectives, psychological follow up and discusssion about G tube feeding were items included for the more severe groups. Results All children arriving at 2 y were included and those beyond 12 y remained included (n = 44 in December 2014). Their mean BMI Z-score was −0.22 while mean FEV1 remained at 85%. Four children were still in the red zone. The % of children in the green or yellow zones increased from 53% to 64%. Conclusion PHARE-M helped improve the nutritional status of most children 2–12 y, after three years collaboration between parents and the MDT, who is now focusing of the nutritional status of infants.

Complementary Feeding Pattern Reduces the Impact of Diarrhea on Relative Weight: A Longitudinal Analysis of the Interaction of Diet and Diarrhea on Weight‐for‐length in Cebu Infants

Undernutrition and diarrheal disease are major contributors to infant morbidity and mortality worldwide. We investigated the combined roles of infant feeding and diarrhea on relative weight (weight‐for‐length z scores or WFL) in 2814 infants from the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey. Indicator coding was used to create eight primary predictors based on combinations of current breastfeeding status (breastfed/BF vs non‐breastfed/NBF), high or low diversity score (DDS) in the complementary feeding diet (consumption of 4+ or <4 of 7 possible food groups) and presence of diarrheal disease (sick vs healthy with respect to diarrheal disease). WFL was predicted using sex‐stratified, fixed‐effects longitudinal models that also adjusted for age and energy from complementary foods. Table 1 Results of longitudinal regression of WFL on dietary and diarrhea patterns during infancy Boys' Beta 95% CI p Girls' Beta 95% CI p Diet x diarrhea pattern Healthy + NBF + Low DDS ‐0.141* (‐0.221, ‐0.062) 0.001 ‐0.114* (‐0.208, ‐0.020) 0.018 Healthy + BF + Low DDS 0.009 (‐0.062,0.080) 0.801 0.048 (‐0.035,0.132) 0.257 Healthy + NBF + High DDS ‐0.127* (‐0.216, ‐0.037) 0.006 ‐0.093+ (‐0.195,0.009) 0.073 Healthy + BF + High DDS Referent n/a n/a Referent n/a n/a Sick + NBF + Low DDS ‐0.319* (‐0.404, ‐0.235) <0.001 ‐0.224* (‐0.324, ‐0.125) <0.001 Sick + BF + Low DDS ‐0.148* (‐0.228, ‐0.069) <0.001 ‐0.064 (‐0.155,0.026) 0.164 Sick + NBF + High DDS ‐0.224* (‐0.332, ‐0.116) <0.001 ‐0.152* (‐0.276, ‐0.029) 0.016 Sick + BF + High DDS ‐0.101 (‐0.241,0.038) 0.154 ‐0.091 (‐0.237,0.056) 0.224 Age ‐2.232* (‐2.402, ‐2.062) <0.001 ‐2.090* (‐2.263, ‐1.917) <0.001 Age‐squared 0.770* (0.700,0.840) <0.001 0.708* (0.638,0.778) <0.001 Energy intake ‐0.286* (‐0.428, ‐0.143) <0.001 ‐0.427* (‐0.573, ‐0.281) <0.001 Age x energy intake 0.375* (0.275,0.475) <0.001 0.481* (0.378,0.584) <0.001 Intercept 0.719* (0.593,0.845) <0.001 0.627* (0.495,0.759) <0.001 Within strata of diarrhea status or diet diversity, non‐breastfed babies were thinner than their breastfed counterparts. Interestingly, regardless of breastfeeding status, diarrhea was consistently related to lower WFL in babies with low diet diversity but diarrhea did not significantly reduce the WFL of babies with high diet diversity. Furthermore, amongst non‐breastfed boys with diarrheal disease, infants with high diet diversity had significantly higher relative weight than those with low diet diversity.imageThese findings suggest that high diversity in the complementary diet may mitigate the detrimental impact of diarrhea on infant nutritional status.

Baseline Household Agriculture and Child Nutrition Linkages in the Nutrition Links Project

The Nutrition Links Project is testing effect of integrated agriculture and nutrition strategies on livelihoods, nutrition, and health status of infants in Ghana's Eastern Region. Logistic regression were used to determine relationships between infant nutrition (EBF, diet diversity, Hb <11 g/dl, anthropometry), and household agriculture resource ownership (land, livestock) and practices (farming, home gardening) in the last year, with baseline data. Only 57% of 1081 households owned agricultural land but 77% cultivated food, 40% had a home garden, and 79% owned livestock. Mean child age was 5.8+3.5 months. Wasting, underweight and stunting rates were 6%, 11%, and 12%, respectively. Exclusive breastfeeding in past 24 hr was 86% and 52% among infants <3 months and 3‐6 mo, respectively. Only 24% of infants > 6 months were fed diets with 4+ food groups in past 24 hr. Infants in households with home gardens were less likely to exclusively breastfeed (OR=0.65; p=0.04) but also less at risk of underweight (OR=0.53; p=0.01). Land ownership was associated with lower risk of wasting (OR=0.59; p=0.04). We conclude that although agricultural activities are associated with better infant nutritional indicators, interventions are needed to improve infant and young child feeding practices in the Eastern Region.

PERBEDAAN STATUS GIZI ANTARA BAYI YANG DIBERI ASI DENGAN BAYI YANG DIBERI PASI PADA BAYI KURANG DARI 6 BULAN DI DESA KATEGUHAN KECAMATAN SAWIT

Background. Mother's Milk is the first natural food for infants and should begiven without any extra food to infants in 6 months. But today there are manyparents who provide complementary feeding earlier less than 6 months. Both ofthese circumstances affect the nutritional status of infants.The purpose of the study was to determine differences in the nutritional statusof infants breast-fed infants fed with infants complementary feeding in the villageKateguhan Sawit subdistrict.Methods comparative descriptive research design using cross sectionalapproach, the population consists of infants aged less than 6 months the totalnumber were 39 infants, the sampling technique is total sampling, tdataanalyzed using Mann Whitney U Test.The conclusion the results of the nutritional status of infants exclusivelybreastfed most normal nutritional status of as many as 14 infants (93.3%) whilethe infants with complementary feeding largely nourished baby fat as many as15 infants (62.5%). There are significant differences between the nutritionalstatus of infants fed breast milk and complementary feeding (p value 0,000<0,05)Keywords : mother’s milk, complementary feeding, nutritional status

Comparison of growth and nutritional status in infants receiving goat milk–based formula and cow milk–based formula: a randomized, double-blind study

ObjectiveTo compare the growth and nutritional status of infants fed goat milk–based formula (GMF) and cow milk–based formula (CMF).MethodsThe study was conducted in Beijing, China. It was a double-blind randomized controlled trial. A total of 79 infants aged 0–3 months old were recruited and randomized in GMF or CMF group. The infants were fed the allocated formula to 6 months. The weight, length, and head circumference were measured at the enrolment, 3 and 6 months. The start time and types of solid food were recorded. Blood elements, urinal, and fecal parameters were also tested.ResultsThe average weight of infants in the GMF group (mean±SD) was 4.67±0.99 kg and in the CMF group 4.73±1.10 kg at enrolment, and 8.75±0.98 kg (GMF) and 8.92±0.88 kg (CMF) at 6 months. There were no differences in the adjusted intention-to-treat analyses of weight, length, head circumference, and BMI z-scores between the two formula-fed groups over the 6-month study. Similarly, there were no remarkable differences in the timing and types of solid food, blood elements, urinal, and feces parameters, between the GMF and CMF group. No group differences have been shown in bowel motion consistency, duration of crying, ease of settling, or frequency of adverse events.ConclusionsGMF-provided growth and nutritional outcomes did not differ from those provided by CMF.

Maternal Literacy, Facility Birth, and Education Are Positively Associated with Better Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices and Nutritional Status among Ugandan Children

Maternal Literacy, Facility Birth, and Education Are Positively Associated with Better Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices and Nutritional Status among Ugandan Children

Women's autonomy and social support and their associations with infant and young child feeding and nutritional status: community-based survey in rural Nicaragua.

To evaluate the associations of women's autonomy and social support with infant and young child feeding practices (including consumption of highly processed snacks and sugar-sweetened beverages) and nutritional status in rural Nicaragua. Cross-sectional study. Feeding practices and children's nutritional status were evaluated according to the WHO guidelines complemented with information on highly processed snacks and sugar-sweetened beverages. Women's autonomy was assessed by a seventeen-item questionnaire covering dimensions of financial independence, household-, child-, reproductive and health-related decision making and freedom of movement. Women's social support was determined using the Duke-UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire. The scores attained were categorized into tertiles. Los Cuatro Santos area, rural Nicaragua. A total of 1371 children 0-35 months of age. Children of women with the lowest autonomy were more likely to be exclusively breast-fed and continue to be breast-fed, while children of women with middle level of autonomy had better complementary feeding practices. Children of women with the lowest social support were more likely to consume highly processed snacks and/or sugar-sweetened beverages but also be taller. While lower levels of autonomy and social support were independently associated with some favourable feeding and nutrition outcomes, this may not indicate a causal relationship but rather that these factors reflect other matters of importance for child care.

Association of maternal depression and infant nutritional status among women living with HIV in Tanzania.

Antenatal and post-natal depression has demonstrated a significant burden in sub-Saharan Africa, with rates ranging from 10% to 35%. However, perinatal women living with HIV in Tanzania have reported an even greater prevalence of depression (43-45%). The primary goal of this study was to examine the relationship between maternal depression and infant malnutrition among women living with HIV. The design was a retrospective cohort study within the context of a randomised controlled trial among women living with HIV and their infants. Within this trial, 699 mother-child pairs were analysed for the present study. Although antenatal depression was not associated with infant malnutrition and post-natal depression was negatively associated [relative risk (RR = 0.80, P = 0.04], cumulative depression demonstrated a positive association with infant wasting (RR = 1.08, P < 0.01) and underweight (RR = 1.03, P < 0.01) after controlling for confounding factors. Variation in the association between depression and infant nutritional status was observed for episodic vs. chronic depression. These findings suggest that providing evidence-based services for persistent depression among women living with HIV may have an effect on infant malnutrition. In addition, other positive outcomes may be related to infant cognitive development as well as HIV disease prognosis and survival among women.

Prevalence and Nutritional Status of Infants With Cystic Fibrosis and Pseudo-Bartter Syndrome During the First Year of Life

Background. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease more commonly occurring among Caucasians. An electrolyte derangement, pseudo-Bartter syndrome (PBS) is a complication leading to failure to thrive. Objectives. To describe the prevalence of PBS and related nutritional status in infants with CF detected after a newborn screening test who were treated in a Brazilian town with a very warm climate. Methods. This was a retrospective study with data collected from medical records. The diagnosis of PBS was based on hypokalemia (K+ &lt; 3.5 mEq/L), hyponatremia (Na++ &lt; 135 mEq/L), low urinary sodium (Na++ &lt; 20 mEq/L), and metabolic alkalosis (pH &gt; 7.45; bicarbonate &gt;28 mEq/L). The anthropometric data assessed were weight and length at the following: birth, diagnosis of CF, diagnosis of PBS, and discharge from hospital after correction of PBS and at 12 months of age. The nutritional indicators were weight/height, weight/age, length/age, and body mass index/age ratios. The cutoff point was z-score &lt; p −2 (World Health Organization reference). Data were analyzed using the Anthro (World Health Organization) and Epi-info 2007 programs. Results. Twelve infants with CF were included, and 41.6% (5) had PBS. There was progressive improvement of nutritional status after CF management and after an early diagnosis and management of PBS. Conclusions. The prevalence of PBS was high. There were mild clinical manifestations of PBS accompanied by compromised nutritional status, identified in patients from a region of hot weather.

Cohort profile: The Cork BASELINE Birth Cohort Study: Babies after SCOPE: Evaluating the Longitudinal Impact on Neurological and Nutritional Endpoints

The Cork BASELINE Birth Cohort Study (Babies After Evaluating the Longitudinal Impact on Neurological and Nutritional Endpoints) was established with three main objectives: to investigate the effects of intrauterine growth restriction and early nutrition on metabolic health and neurodevelopment; to ascertain the incidence and determinants of food allergy and eczema in early childhood; and to describe early infant feeding, supplementation and nutritional status and their effects on physical and neurological growth and health outcomes. The SCOPE Ireland pregnancy cohort formed the basis of recruitment of infants to BASELINE [n 1537] and an additional 600 infants were recruited after delivery providing a total sample of 2137 between 2008 and 2011. Assessments were at day 2 and at 2, 6, 12 and 24 months, with 5-year assessments ongoing. Blood and DNA samples were biobanked at 15 and 20 weeks' gestation, birth, 24 months and 5 years. Body composition data were collected at 2 days and 2 months (air-displacement plethysmography) and at 5 years (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry). Trans-epidermal water loss was measured at 2 days, 2, 6 and 24 months. Detailed dietary and validated developmental assessments were conducted at 24 months. Researchers interested in collaboration can contact [baseline@ucc.ie] and further information be found at [http://www.baselinestudy.net/ or http://www.birthcohorts.net/].

Meeting demand for family planning within a generation: the post-2015 agenda

Expanding access to family planning has been a key aim of health and development programming for almost 50 years. During that time, important gains have been made in addressing unmet need for family planning, increasing contraceptive prevalence, and preventing unintended pregnancies. Over the past two decades, however, the pace of these gains has slowed, especially in several countries in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia. 1 Singh S Darroch JE Adding it up: costs and benefits of contraceptive services—estimates for 2012. Guttmacher Institute and United Nations Population Fund, New York2012 Google Scholar , 2 Darroch JE Singh S Trends in contraceptive need and use in developing countries in 2003, 2008, and 2012: an analysis of national surveys. Lancet. 2013; 381: 1756-1762 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (177) Google Scholar , 3 Alkema L Kantorova V Menozzi C Biddlecom A National, regional, and global rates and trends in contraceptive prevalence and unmet need for family planning between 1990 and 2015: a systematic and comprehensive analysis. Lancet. 2013; 381: 1642-1652 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (318) Google Scholar Meanwhile, an ever growing body of research shows the wider beneficial effect of family planning on improving maternal and child health and survival, increasing economic wellbeing of individuals, families, communities, and nations, fostering environmental sustainability, and empowering women. 4 Cleland J Bernstein S Ezeh A Faundes A Glasier A Innis J Family planning: the unfinished agenda. Lancet. 2006; 368: 1810-1827 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (586) Google Scholar , 5 Ahmed S Li Q Liu L Tsui AO Maternal deaths averted by contraceptive use: an analysis of 172 countries. Lancet. 2012; 380: 111-125 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (386) Google Scholar , 6 Rutstein S Effects of preceding birth intervals on neonatal, infant and under-five years mortality and nutritional status in developing countries: evidence from the Demographic and Health Surveys. Int J Gynecol Obstet. 2005; 89: S7-24 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (302) Google Scholar , 7 Glasier A Gulmezoglu AM Schmid GP Moreno CG Van Look PF Sexual and reproductive health: a matter of life and death. Lancet. 2006; 368: 1595-1607 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (384) Google Scholar , 8 UNFPAFamily planning and the environment: stabilizing population would help sustain the planet. United Nations, New York2008 Google Scholar

Complementary feeding and obesity risk

This article will summarize recent progress in research in the area of complementary feeding as it relates to childhood obesity. Newly emerged findings demonstrate how research on contributing factors has shifted. Examining nutrient and caloric intakes alone has failed to answer the critical question, 'Why are some children obese, whereas others are not?' Recent research explores parental attitudes, beliefs and parental feeding styles as contributing factors. Studies examining the impact of specific macronutrients on obesity risk may have partially uncovered a link between consistently high protein intakes during infancy and an elevated obesity risk, at least until the second year of life. However, this relationship was not evident in all studies evaluated in a systematic review this year. Childhood obesity is not linked to any specific types of foods or food groups during the complementary feeding period. Adherence to dietary guidelines is associated with increased lean body mass, but not BMI or fat mass. Complementary feeding practices, socioeconomic and other family dynamics at least partially explain obesity risk. As young infants are dependent on adults for nourishment, parental attitudes and beliefs about infant nutrition and actual feeding practices directly influence infant nutritional status. Early nutrition interventions to prevent obesity should take nutrition belief systems, parental feeding styles, socioeconomic and educational status, among other characteristics into consideration.

Preconception maternal nutrition: a multi-site randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundResearch directed to optimizing maternal nutrition commencing prior to conception remains very limited, despite suggestive evidence of its importance in addition to ensuring an optimal nutrition environment in the periconceptional period and throughout the first trimester of pregnancy.Methods/Study designThis is an individually randomized controlled trial of the impact on birth length (primary outcome) of the time at which a maternal nutrition intervention is commenced: Arm 1: ≥ 3 mo preconception vs. Arm 2: 12-14 wk gestation vs. Arm 3: none.192 (derived from 480) randomized mothers and living offspring in each arm in each of four research sites (Guatemala, India, Pakistan, Democratic Republic of the Congo). The intervention is a daily 20 g lipid-based (118 kcal) multi-micronutient (MMN) supplement. Women randomized to receive this intervention with body mass index (BMI) <20 or whose gestational weight gain is low will receive an additional 300 kcal/d as a balanced energy-protein supplement. Researchers will visit homes biweekly to deliver intervention and monitor compliance, pregnancy status and morbidity; ensure prenatal and delivery care; and promote breast feeding. The primary outcome is birth length. Secondary outcomes include: fetal length at 12 and 34 wk; incidence of low birth weight (LBW); neonatal/infant anthropometry 0-6 mo of age; infectious disease morbidity; maternal, fetal, newborn, and infant epigenetics; maternal and infant nutritional status; maternal and infant microbiome; gut inflammatory biomarkers and bioactive and nutritive compounds in breast milk. The primary analysis will compare birth Length-for-Age Z-score (LAZ) among trial arms (independently for each site, estimated effect size: 0.35). Additional statistical analyses will examine the secondary outcomes and a pooled analysis of data from all sites.DiscussionPositive results of this trial will support a paradigm shift in attention to nutrition of all females of child-bearing age.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT01883193.

Mothers’ Nutritional Knowledge, Infant Feeding Practices and Nutritional Status of Children (0-24 Months) in Lagos State, Nigeria

Aim: This study examined the nutritional knowledge, infant feeding practices of mothers and the nutritional status of children in Lagos State, Nigeria. Study Design: A cross sectional survey design was used. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in three selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Lagos state. The LGAs were Ikeja, Shomolu and Ikorodu representing urban, sub-urban and rural areas respectively. Methodology: A validated questionnaire and group interview was used as the instrument for data collection. Data was collected from 300 randomly selected mothers of children aged 0 months to 24 months, who visited three Government- owned childcare centres in Lagos State, Nigeria. Anthropometric indices were used to determine the children’s nutritional status. The data obtained from mothers were analyzed using simple percentage and frequency counts. Epi Info 6 was used to analyze the anthropometric data. Results: The findings indicated that the mothers’ nutritional knowledge as revealed by the test score was fairly good. Majority (75%) of the respondents breastfed their children but only 14.7% of the mothers practiced exclusive breast feeding for six months, while 43.3% of the mothers in addition to breast feeding, included complementary foods for their