Feeding Practices Research Articles

Feeding practices and weight status of children with congenital Zika syndrome: A longitudinal study in Brazil.

The objective of this study was to describe feeding practices and weight status in a cohort of children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) in northeastern Brazil. This longitudinal study of children with CZS (N = 156) included data collection on child feeding practices and weight status at five timepoints between 2018 and 2022. The average age of the children was 32.1 months at enrollment and 76.6 months at the fifth assessment. Multilevel models, with repeated observations nested within children, were used to estimate time-related differences in each outcome. Use of enteral feeding, such as gastrostomy, increased from 19.2% to 33.3% over 4 years (p < .001). Among children who did not exclusively use an enteral feeding method, the percentage experiencing at least one dysphagia-associated behavior, such as coughing or gagging, increased from 73.9% to 85.3% (p = .030) while consuming liquids and from 36.2% to 73.5% (p = .001) while consuming solids. Based on weight-for-age z-scores, the percentage of children who were moderately or severely underweight increased from 42.5% to 46.1% over the 4 years but was not statistically significant. Children exclusively using an enteral feeding method had significantly decreased odds of being underweight at assessments 3, 4, and 5. These data highlight the ongoing and increasing challenges of feeding young children with CZS. Our findings elucidate the physiological reasons children with CZS may be underweight and point to intervention targets, such as enteral feeding, to improve their feeding practices.

Inequalities in Complementary Feeding Programs in Randomized Intervention and Nonintervention Areas after Program Implementation in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Vietnam

BackgroundChildren in the 6–23-mo age group need to consume adequate energy and nutrients for healthy growth, brain development, cognition, and future productivity. Yet, large deficits remain. Complementary feeding practices can be improved on a large scale, but whether interventions reach and benefit disadvantaged mothers is not known. ObjectivesTo assess inequalities in complementary feeding practices and coverage following large-scale program implementation in 3 low- and middle-income countries. MethodsWe re-analyzed evaluation data from randomized controlled studies conducted in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Vietnam and calculated socioeconomic inequality using Erreygers index for intervention and nonintervention areas. Intervention coverage indicators were developed in each country for interpersonal communication, community mobilization, agricultural extension, and media. We compared the direction and magnitude of inequalities in intervention and nonintervention areas. ResultsAt the endline, coverage, and practices related to complementary feeding were better in intervention areas, but coverage and practices favored the better-off and more educated mothers. In Bangladesh, only 5, and in Vietnam, only 1 out of 16 coverage variables measured favored disadvantaged mothers or were neutral; in Ethiopia, out of 18 coverage variables measured, 11 favored disadvantaged mothers or were neutral, and in all 3 countries, only 5–6 variables out of 16 that were measured favored disadvantaged mothers or were neutral. ConclusionsInequalities exist both in how children in the 6–23-mo age group are fed and in programs aimed at improving complementary feeding practices. Programs favor the better-off and more educated mothers. We need to better understand context-specific program barriers and tailor targeted interventions to reach disadvantaged mothers.

Dietary diversity and associated factors among infants and young children in three West African countries.

Providing children healthy diversified diets is important for their optimal growth and development. The high prevalence of under-nourishment during the critical early life period is of serious concern in West Africa. We assessed the level of dietary diversity and associated factors for children aged 6-23 months in Côte d'Ivoire, Niger and Senegal. Prior 24 h dietary intake was assessed for 3,528 children (Côte d'Ivoire: N = 118; Niger: N = 763; Senegal: N = 2,647) using the Diet Quality Questionnaire survey tool administered to primary caregivers. Cluster random sampling was conducted for urban and rural areas in Niger and Senegal and simple random sampling was used in Côte d'Ivoire, where only rural households were selected. Survey data were analyzed to determine children's intake of items from eight food groups: breast milk; grains, roots, tubers and plantains; pulses, nuts and seeds; dairy products; flesh foods; eggs; vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables; and other fruits and vegetables. Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD) was assessed based on the consumption of ≥5 of the 8 food groups. In all countries, the majority of children were ≥ 12 months of age and from rural households. Children from poor/very poor households ranged from 32.4 to 41.9%. MDD prevalence was 54.2% in Côte d'Ivoire, 33.3% in Niger and 30.8% in Senegal. In all three countries, children 12-23 months had significantly higher consumption of six of the food groups, compared to those 6-11 months, and children ≥12 months had a higher likelihood of MDD, compared to infants, in Niger (aOR = 4.25; 95% CI: 2.46, 7.36) and Senegal (aOR = 2.69; 95% CI: 2.15, 3.35). MDD prevalence was higher among children in urban, compared to rural, areas in Niger (p = 0.020) and Senegal (p < 0.001) and significantly higher in the wealthiest, compared to poorest, households. This study suggests most young children in Côte d'Ivoire, Niger and Senegal are not receiving an adequately diversified diet, with a reliance on starchy staples and lower intake of high-quality protein sources. Our results highlight socio-economic barriers to attaining dietary diversity in these settings and stress the urgent and continuing need for investments in strategies that support optimal complementary feeding practices.

Evaluation of micronutrient and nutritional status among preschool children in Jordan: results from a Nationwide survey.

Jordan faces various malnutrition challenges, including undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, overweight, obesity, and diet-related non-communicable diseases. The country has shifted from issues of undernutrition to rising rates of overweight and obesity, while still dealing with micronutrient deficiencies. The 2010 national survey revealed high rates of iron and vitamin D deficiencies among preschool children, with about 20% experiencing vitamin A deficiencies. The goals of the 2019 Jordan National Micronutrient & Nutrition Survey (JNMNS) include assessing feeding practices of infants and young children, determining the frequency of consuming micronutrient-rich foods, evaluating causes of anemia, assessing the health status of specific subgroups, and comparing findings to the 2010 survey. JNMNS 2019 was a comprehensive national cross-sectional survey structured across four strata. Within each stratum, 40 primary sampling units were chosen in proportion to their size based on the 2015 Jordan census. Subsequently, the Department of Statistics conducted household listings in each PSU. Separate response rates were assumed for households and target groups, encompassing interviews, anthropometric measurements, and specimen collection. The survey aimed to collect data from 2,210 households, including interviews and anthropometry for 1,232 preschool children, with blood samples obtained from 992 of them. The findings revealed no severe anemia cases, but 11% of preschoolers aged 12-59 months were anemic. Iron deficiency affected 22.4%, with 5% having iron deficiency anemia. Vitamin D deficiency increased to 22.9% in 2019. Stunting and wasting rates improved slightly to 6.3 and 0.1%, respectively. Overweight and obesity rates remained stable at 6.2 and 2.1%. Anemia decreased by 5-6%, but iron deficiency rose by 7%. Vitamin A deficiency decreased, but iron deficiency anemia remained largely unchanged. Undernutrition was rare, but vitamin D deficiency affected 27.7% of preschoolers, impacting growth and immunity. Iron deficiency, affecting 25% of children, poses a risk to cognitive development. Overweight or obesity affected 9% of children, a medium public health issue according to the WHO. While malnutrition rates are low, the persistent issues of vitamin D deficiency, iron deficiency, and childhood obesity require focused attention. The study highlights ongoing nutritional challenges among Jordanian preschoolers. Although severe anemia was rare, 11% were anemic, and 22.4% had iron deficiency, including 5% with iron deficiency anemia. Vitamin D deficiency affected 22.9%, impacting growth and immunity. While stunting and wasting improved, childhood overweight and obesity rates remained steady. Anemia decreased, but iron deficiency rose by 7%. Despite reduced vitamin A deficiency, stable iron deficiency anemia rates indicate ongoing concerns. Overall, undernutrition is uncommon, but vitamin D and iron deficiencies, along with childhood obesity, need sustained attention and targeted interventions to improve children's health in Jordan.

Animal source foods consumptions on complementary feeding during COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia

PurposeComplementary feeding practices was more difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic due to economic instability, especially for animal source foods (ASFs) consumption. According to the problem, the purpose of this study was to determine the economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic on ASFs consumption and ASFs consumption related factors on complementary feeding in Indonesia.Design/methodology/approachThis cross-sectional study was targeted at mothers of children aged 6–23 months during pandemic. A total of 574 respondents were obtained through online questionnaire.FindingsThis study found that flesh food, including fish/seafood, organ meat, meat, poultry and processed meat, were associated with all economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic; in contrast, those economic impacts did not affect the dairy product and egg consumption. Multivariate analysis showed children with older age (AOR: 1.13, 95%CI: 1.04–3.26), meet minimum dietary diversity (AOR: 2.17, 95%CI: 1.56–5.44) and are from high income level household (AOR: 1.14, 95%CI: 1.09–2.10) contributed to ASFs consumption.Practical implicationsOther strategies aimed at enhancing food security to increase ASFs consumption on complementary feeding. The government may consider short-term emergency purchasing subsidies and macro-control of the ASFs market. Nutrition education is also required to improve knowledge related to importance of ASFs consumption for children.Originality/valueThis study reveals the association between each food group of ASFs consumption on complementary feeding and the economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic.

Piggery Value Chain Mapping in Bengaluru: A Comprehensive Analysis of Rearing Systems

The study examines the piggery value chain in Bengaluru, focusing on 35 breeders and fattening farmers across Bengaluru rural and Bengaluru urban areas. It analyses distinct rearing systems, breeding practices, feeding strategies, and healthcare protocols among respondents. Breeders predominantly utilize intensive rearing systems (100%) for optimized breeding outcomes, while fattening farmers prefer semi-intensive methods (85.71%) to balance care with natural behaviours. Variations in housing preferences show that 46.67 per cent of fattening farmers use efficient drainage systems compared to none among breeders. Feeding practices differ significantly 100 per cent of breeders employ stall feeding, whereas 75 per cent of fattening farmers practice scavenging feeding with 25 per cent engaging in mixed feeding. Feeding frequency is consistently twice daily among all respondents (100%). The deworming practices at 45.71 per cent overall, with 100 per cent among breeders and 60 per cent among fattening farmers. Vaccination is practiced exclusively by breeders (100 %). Veterinary aid satisfaction rates are 31.43 per cent overall, with 40 per cent among fattening farmers. A detailed value chain map visually depicts stages from input supply to consumption, elucidating stakeholder roles crucial for productivity enhancement, animal welfare promotion, and sustainable practices within Bengaluru's piggery sector.

Penerapan Pijat Tui Na Untuk Meningkatkan Berat Badan Pada Balita Dengan Gizi Kurang Di Puskesmas Juata

The growth and development in toddlers is influenced by the cheir nutritional status, which is related to feeding practices. Improper nutrition can hinder growth and development leading to decreased immunity. Tui Na massage is a non-pharmacological therapy that can address eating difficulties and increase appetite thereby aiding weight gain in toddlers. The objective of this study is to understand and apply nursing care to malnourished toddlers using Tui Na Massage innovation as a safe and effective non-pharmacological therapy to increasing weight. Nursing care for malnourished toddlers from families Tn. A and Tn.S included assessment, data analysis, nursing diagnosis, nursing plan, nursing implementation and evaluation from April 22-28 2024. Tui Na massage for six consecutive days was proved to increase appetite and added 0 .5 kg toddlers weight. Tui Na massage can be recommended as a safe, effective, cost-effective non pharmacological therapy that parents can regularly,and correctly administer to help increase the child's weight.

Insights into the clinical, immunologic, and genetic underpinnings of food allergy.

The last few decades have seen striking changes in the field of food allergy. The prevalence of the disease has risen dramatically in many parts of the globe, and management of the condition has undergone major revision. While delayed introduction of common allergenic foods during infancy was advised for many years, the learning early about peanut allergy (LEAP) trial and other studies led to a major shift in infant feeding practices, with deliberate early introduction of these foods now recommended. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration approved the first treatment for food allergy in 2020-a peanut oral immunotherapy (OIT) product that likely represents just the beginning of new immunotherapy-based and other treatments for food allergy. Our knowledge of the environmental and genetic factors contributing to the pathogenesis of food allergy has also undergone transformational advances. Here, we will discuss our efforts to improve the clinical care of patients with food allergy and our understanding of the immunological mechanisms contributing to this common disease.

Gut microbiota in infants with food protein enterocolitis.

We explored the effects of two formulas, extensively hydrolyzed formula (EHF) and amino acid-based formula (AAF), on the gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in infants with food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES). Fecal samples of thirty infants with bloody diarrhea receiving EHF or AAF feeding were collected at enrollment, diagnosis of FPIES, and four weeks after diagnosis. The gut microbiota and SCFAs were analyzed using 16 S rRNA gene sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively. Microbial diversity of FPIES infants was significantly different from that of the controls. FPIES infants had a significantly lower abundance of Bifidobacterium and a higher level of hexanoic acid compared with controls. In EHF-fed FPIES infants, microbial richness was significantly decreased over time; while the microbial diversity and richness in AAF-fed FPIES infants exhibited no differences at the three time points. By four weeks after diagnosis, EHF-fed FPIES infants contained a decreased abundance of Acinetobacter, whereas AAF-fed FPIES infants contained an increased abundance of Escherichia-Shigella. EHF-fed infants experienced significantly decreased levels of butyric acid and hexanoic acid at four weeks after diagnosis. Infants with FPIES had intestinal dysbiosis and different formulas differentially affected gut microbiota and SCFAs in FPIES infants. We firstly report the impacts of two different nutritional milk formulas on the gut microbial composition and SCFAs levels in infants with FPIES. We show that infants with FPIES have obvious intestinal dysbiosis and different formulas differentially affect gut microbiota and SCFAs in FPIES infants. Understanding the effects of different types of formulas on gut microbial colonization and composition, as well as the related metabolites in infants with FPIES could help provide valuable insights for making choices about feeding practices.

Influence of enzyme drug and adsorbent on digestive metabolism processes of steers fattening in technogenic zone

In the practice of feeding of young ruminants for fattening, feed drugs of new generation adsorbents are increasingly and widely introduced. They often exhibit synergistic eff ects on metabolic processes with a large set of biologically active additives including enzyme drugs. The purpose of the research was to study the infl uence of the adsorbent drugs toxfi n and MEC celloviridin G20x on the state of rumen metabolism in fattening steers in whose diets there was an excess content of lead, zinc and cadmium salts. It was found that in order to activate the processes of digestive metabolism due to better elimination of heavy metal salts, it is advisable to jointly introduce the adsorbent toxfi n in the amount of 1 kg/t of compound feed and MEC celloviridin G20x in the amount of 70 g/t of compound feed into the composition of the rations of fattening steers. The results of the conducted studies showed that by the end of fattening at the age of 18 months the animals of the 4th experimental group had the highest body weight, which surpassed the steers of the 1st control group by 29.20 kg (p &lt; 0.05) or 6.86 %. Relative to the control analogues the steers of the 4th experimental group showed an activation of growth in the forestomachs of ciliates (producers of cellulases and amylases) by 54.26 % (p &lt; 0.05) and bacteria of the Flavobacterium vitarumen group (producers of proteinases) by 29.36 % (p &lt; 0.05). Due to the combined feeding of the adsorbent drugs toxfi n and MEC celloviridin G20x, the processes of detoxifi cation of heavy metal salts were more effective. Therefore, the fattening steers of the 4th experimental group more actively accumulated volatile fatty acids in the rumen fl uid, significantly (p &lt; 0.05) outperforming the animals of the 1st control group in this indicator by 1.68 mmol/100 ml or by 20.71 %.

Study of prevalence of minimum acceptable diet and associated factors among children aged 6-24 months in rural Gurugram, Haryana, India

Background: Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) is the key area to improve survival of child and promotion of growth and development of the child. For assessing the IYCF for children aged 6-24 months, minimum acceptable diet (MAD) is one of the core indicators. A community based cross sectional study was done to assess the MAD and its associated factors among children aged 6-24 months in rural Gurugram, Haryana. Methods: A sample of 200 mother-child dyads were interviewed. Majority of children (90.1%) did not receive MAD. Results: The proportion of children who has received minimum diet diversity (MDD) and minimum meal frequency (MMF) were 14% and 61% respectively. More than three fourth (77.5%) of children consumed junk food in last 24 hours dietary recall. Conclusions: Counselling of mothers, encouraging involvement of fathers and extended family members in adequate feeding practices was done.

Effects of dietary zinc on the gut microbiome and resistome of the gestating cow and neonatal calf

Zinc is an essential trace element required in the diet of all species. While the effects of zinc have been studied in growing calves, little is known about the effect of zinc on the microbiota of the gestating cow or her neonatal calf. Understanding factors that shape the gut health of neonatal animals and evaluating the effect of dietary supplements in adult gestating animals is important in promoting animal health and informing feeding practices. The aims of this study were to determine the effect of dietary zinc on the microbiota and resistome of the gestating cow and calf. Gestating cows received standard (40 ppm) or high (205 ppm) dietary zinc levels from dry off to calving. Fecal samples were collected from cows upon enrollment and at calving and from neonatal calves. Fecal samples underwent 16S rRNA sequencing and a subset also underwent shotgun metagenomic sequencing. The effect of zinc supplementation on the diversity and composition of the cow and calf microbiome and resistome was assessed. Alpha and beta diversity and composition of the microbiota were significantly altered over time but not by treatment in the cows, with alpha diversity decreasing and 14 genera found at significantly higher relative abundances at calving compared to enrollment. Levels of 27 antimicrobial resistance genes significantly increased over time. Only a small number of taxa were differentially expressed at calving in treatment and control groups, including Faecalibacterium, Bacteroides, Turicibacter, and Bifidobacterium pseudolongum. No effect of the dam’s treatment group was observed on the diversity or composition of the neonatal calf microbiota. The calf resistome, which was relatively rich and diverse compared to the cow, was also unaffected by the dam’s treatment group. The impact of high levels of dietary zinc thus appeared to be minimal, with no observed changes in alpha or beta diversity, and few changes in the relative abundance of a small number of taxa and antimicrobial resistance genes.

Influence of packaging, husbandry, feeding practices, and price transparency on consumer segments preferences for milk in Germany: A conjoint and latent class analysis

Despite a slight decline in average consumption in recent years, milk remains a significant component of diets in Western countries, including Germany. Concurrently, there has been growing awareness of the impact of food choices on climate, environment, and animal welfare. This study examines how various attributes of milk—such as packaging, husbandry practices, feeding methods, price, and price transparency—affect consumer decisions, using fresh milk as a case study.We conducted a choice experiment with 250 participants, who selected from product alternatives varying in price, milk features, cow husbandry and feeding practices, packaging types, and labels. Contrary to previous studies, which identified price as a primary decision criterion, our findings indicate that price was secondary for most participants, except for a specific segment.Label influence was minimal, while packaging had a significant impact on consumer choices. Interestingly, most respondents preferred glass packaging, despite its potential environmental drawbacks, suggesting a need to explore whether this preference is based on misconceptions about its environmental benefits.The type of husbandry emerged as the most influential factor in consumer decisions. In terms of animal welfare, there was a strong preference for pasture milk, particularly for "Year-round grazing with mother-bonded calf rearing." This preference not only explains the marketing trend towards pasture milk but also presents an opportunity for sustainable farms to differentiate themselves and attract customers amidst a decline in pasture-based milk production.

Infant feeding practices and associated factors during the COVID-19 pandemic: Findings from an online crosssectional study in Indonesia

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic presents a challenge to ensuring optimal infant feeding practices. This study aimed to assess infant feeding practices and investigate potential factors associated with exclusive and continued breastfeeding practices during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. Methods: An online survey was conducted during December 2020 – August 2021. A total of 817 Indonesian mothers aged ≥18 years old with infants aged &lt;18 months were obtained through convenience sampling. Exclusive breastfeeding was the practice at the time of the survey among infants &lt;6 months old; continued breastfeeding was considered when infants aged &gt;6 months received any type of breastfeeding in the previous day. Results: Most subjects were aged 25-34 years old (81.3%), had a high education level (85.7%), with middle household income level (40.5%), and lived in Java Island (81.6%). Infants’ age and sex were comparable between younger vs. older infants and boys vs. girls, respectively. Exclusive breastfeeding was 81.3%. Continued breastfeeding was 93.4%, with 74.3% meeting the minimum acceptable diet. Breastfeeding intention (92.9%) and husband’s support for infant feeding (67.2%) were reported during the COVID-19 pandemic. Multivariate analyses showed that breastfeeding intention was one of the factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding [aOR=12.6; 95%CI (4.1-39.1)] and continued breastfeeding [10.9 (4.4-27.0)]. Conclusion: The study suggested that mothers’ intention to breastfeed during the COVID-19 pandemic provided affirmation of good breastfeeding experiences by allowing mothers to have more time for childcare activities and more opportunities to develop meaningful coparenting practices while staying at home.

Transfusion-associated necrotising enterocolitis in very low birth weight babies: transfusion and feeding practices in two neonatal units in Bloemfontein, Free State

Background. Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is life-threatening with a rising incidence due to improved neonatal care. While researchers’ focus has shifted to causes, risk factors and preventative clinical strategies, little is known about the exact aetiology of NEC. Risk factors include the relationship between red blood cell transfusions (RBCTs) and the development of transfusion-associated NEC (TANEC) and peri-transfusion feeding, increasing the risk of TANEC. Objectives. Evaluate the relationship between RBCT and peri-transfusion feeding practices and the development of TANEC in very low birthweight (VLBW) neonates over 5 years. Methods. This was a retrospective analytical record review of all VLBW neonates admitted to two tertiary hospitals’ neonatal units in Bloemfontein, South Africa (SA), from 1 January 2012 - 31 December 2016. Results. The study population (n=1 426) had a median birthweight of 1 260 g and a median gestation age of 30 weeks. RBCTs were given to 41.9%, and NEC developed in 7.4%, of whom 47.6% had an RBCT (TANEC). Half (47.2%) were kept nil per os (NPO) around the transfusion. No association was found between NPO status and TANEC development (8.9% NPO patients, 7.9% non-NPO patients, p=0.6826). No significant differences regarding Modified Bell’s Staging were found between neonates who developed TANEC v. NEC. Conclusion. Optimising the administration of RBCTs and evidence-based feeding protocols is crucial in reducing TANEC’s impact on premature neonates.

"When we have served meat, my husband comes first": A qualitative analysis of child nutrition among urban and rural communities of Rwanda.

Stunting among children under five years of age is a global public health concern, especially in low-and middle-income settings. Emerging evidence suggests a gradual reduction in the overall prevalence of stunting in Rwanda, necessitating a qualitative understanding of the contributing drivers to help develop targeted and effective strategies. This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of women and men to identify key issues that influence childhood nutrition and stunting as well as possible solutions to address the problem. Ten (10) focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with fathers and mothers of children under five years of age from five districts, supplemented by forty (40) in-depth interviews (IDIs) with Nurses and Community Health Workers (CHWs). Transcripts were coded inductively and analysed thematically using Dedoose (version 9.0.86). Three themes emerged: (1) Awareness of a healthy diet for pregnant women, infants, and children with subthemes Knowledge about maternal and child nutrition and feeding practices; (2) Personal and food hygiene is crucial while handling, preparing, and eating food with subthemes, food preparation practices and the feeding environment (3) factors influencing healthy eating among pregnant women, infants, and children with subthemes; Barriers and facilitators to healthy eating among pregnant women and children. Several factors influence child stunting, and strategies to address them should recognise the cultural and social contexts of the problem. Prioritisation of nutrition-based strategies is vital and should be done using a multifaceted approach, incorporating economic opportunities and health education, especially among women, and allowing CHWs to counsel households with conflicts.

The transition from tube feeding to oral feeding algorithm in preterm infants: case-control study

BackgroundOral feeding is a complex sensorimotor process influenced by many variables, making it challenging for healthcare providers to introduce and manage it. Feeding practice guided by tradition or a trial-and-error approach may be inconsistent and potentially delay the progression of oral feeding skills.AimTo apply a new feeding approach that assesses early oral feeding independence skills of preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). To prove its effectiveness, compare two approaches of oral feeding progression based on clinical outcomes in preterm infants, the traditional approach used in the NICU of Mansoura University Children Hospital (MUCH) versus the newly applied approach.MethodsA quasi-experimental, exploratory, and analytical design was employed using two groups, control and intervention groups, with 40 infants for the first group and 41 infants for the second one. The first group (the control) was done first and included observation of the standard practice in the NICU of MUCH for preterm oral feeding, in which oral feeding was dependent on post-menstrual age (PMA) and weight for four months. The second group (the intervention) included early progression to oral feeding depending on early assessment of Oral Feeding Skills (OFS) and early supportive intervention and/or feeding therapy if needed using the newly developed scoring system, the Mansoura Early Feeding Skills Assessment “MEFSA” for the other four months. Infants in both groups were studied from the day of admission till discharge.ResultsIn addition to age and weight criteria, other indicators for oral feeding readiness and oral motor skills were respected, such as oral feeding readiness cues, feeding practice, feeding maintenance, and feeding techniques. By following this approach, preterm infants achieved earlier start oral feeding (SOF) and full oral feeding (FOF) and were discharged with shorter periods of tube feeding. Infants gained weight without increasing their workload to the NICU team.ConclusionThe newly applied approach proved to be a successful bedside scoring system scale for assessing preterm infants’ early oral feeding independence skills in the NICU. It offers an early individualized experience of oral feeding without clinical complications.

The science of snacks: a review of dog treats

The global growth in canine population has led to a thriving market for pet food, especially treats sector. This review explores the growing market for canine treats, revealing a deep emotional connection between pet owners and their pets, evident in feeding practices. With six distinct categories of treats, meat-based treats dominate due to perceptions of naturalness and health, high-lighting an increased focus on dog nutrition and a preference for raw, locally sourced alternatives. However, labeling discrepancies and a lack of clear nutritional information present a challenge for owners looking for quality treats. Variations in nutritional values and sensory qualities of treats require informed choices to prevent excessive calorie consumption and potential health implications. Effective communication between the veterinarian and pet owners is crucial to adapting treats recommendations based on the individual needs of dogs, taking into account potential health risks and obesity. In conclusion, the use of treats provides several benefits such as positive reinforcement, promoting dental health and providing nutritional support for senior dogs. However, certain aspects that may limit their use should be considered, such as the risk of microbiological contamination, accidents related to incorrect administration, obesity and environmental impacts associated with treat production.

Trends in Complementary Feeding Indicators in Children Aged 6-23 Months According to Participation in a Conditional Cash Transfer Program: Data from the Brazilian Food and Nutrition Surveillance System, 2015-2019.

Inadequate practices during complementary feeding are associated with malnutrition, especially in children experiencing vulnerable conditions and social inequality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the trends in complementary feeding indicators (CFIs) according to participation in a Brazilian cash transferu program-the Bolsa Família Program (BFP). This was a time-series study with secondary data from 600,138 children assisted from 2015 to 2019 and registered within the Brazilian Food and Nutrition Surveillance System. The CFIs assessed were food introduction, minimum meal frequency and appropriate consistency, minimum dietary diversity, iron-rich food, vitamin A-rich food, ultra-processed food consumption, and zero vegetable or fruit consumption. Prevalence and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for the CFIs according to BFP, the region of residence, and the child's age. The Prais-Winsten regression method was used to analyze the temporal trend. There was a steady trend for all CFIs of a healthy diet. A decrease in ultra-processed food consumption for both BFP (-10.02%) and non-BFP children (-9.34%) was observed over the years. Children residing in the North and Northeast regions and those enrolled in the BFP were more distant from the recommended feeding practices when compared to the other regions and non-BFP children. The results highlight the relevance of nutritional surveillance and the need to improve food and nutrition public policies for children aged 6-23 months, particularly for those experiencing greater social vulnerability.

Specialized nutritious foods and behavior change communication interventions during the first 1000 d of life to prevent stunting: a quasi-experimental study in Afghanistan

BackgroundConsiderable evidence supports the effectiveness of nutritional supplementation with or without nutrition education in preventing stunting in developing countries, but evidence from Afghanistan is scarce. ObjectivesThis project aimed to assess the effectiveness of specialized nutritious food (SNF), social and behavior change communication (SBCC) intervention to prevent stunting among children under 2 y during the first 1000 d of life in Badakhshan, Afghanistan. MethodsWe used a community-based quasi-experimental pre–post study design with a control group. Pregnant and lactating women received a monthly ration of 7.5 kg of super cereal (250 g/d) during pregnancy and the first 6 mo of breastfeeding. Children aged 6–23 mo received 30 sachets of medium-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplement (50 g/sachet/d) monthly. We compared pre- and postintervention assessments of the intervention and control groups to isolate the effect of the intervention on key study outcomes at the endline by difference-in-differences (DID) estimates. ResultsA total of 2928 and 3205 households were surveyed at baseline and endline. DID estimates adjusted for child, maternal, and household characteristics indicated a significant reduction in stunting (DID: −5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: −9.9, −0.2) and underweight (DID: −4.6% (95% CI: −8.6, −0.5) among children <2 y of age. However, DID estimates for wasting among children in the intervention and control groups were not significantly different (DID: −1.7 (95% CI: −5.1, 1.6). Furthermore, exposure to the SBCC messages was associated with improvements in the early initiation of breastfeeding (DID: 19.6% (95% CI: 15.6, 23.6), exclusive breastfeeding under 6 mo (DID: 11.0% (95% CI: 2.3, 19.7), minimum meal frequency (DID: 23% (95% CI: 17.7, 28.2), and minimum acceptable diet (DID: 13% (95% CI: 9.8, 16.3). ConclusionsThe provision of SNF in combination with SBCC during the first 1000 d of life was associated with reduction in stunting and underweight and improvements in infant and young child feeding practices among children under 2 y of age.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04581993.