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Longitudinal Development of Infant Complementary Diet Diversity in 3 International Cohorts

Jessica G Woo1, Patricia M Herbers1, Robert J McMahon2

  • 1Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|August 1, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Infants in Shanghai achieved minimum dietary diversity (MDD) more often than those in Mexico City or Cincinnati. Highly breastfed infants in Cincinnati showed low dietary diversity, highlighting the need for maternal education on complementary feeding.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Global Health
  • Infant Development

Background:

  • Minimum dietary diversity (MDD) is crucial for infant health and development.
  • Understanding international variations in MDD achievement is essential for targeted interventions.
  • Complementary feeding practices significantly influence infant nutritional status.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the development of minimum dietary diversity (MDD) in breastfed infants aged 6 to 12 months across international cohorts.
  • To identify factors associated with differences in MDD achievement.
  • To inform public health strategies for improving infant nutrition globally.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study of breastfed infants in Shanghai, Cincinnati, and Mexico City.
  • Weekly 24-hour dietary recalls were used to assess food group intake.
  • MDD was defined as consuming at least 4 of 7 food groups daily from 6 to 12 months of age.

Main Results:

  • Dietary diversity significantly increased from 6 to 12 months across all cohorts (31% to 92%).
  • Shanghai infants demonstrated higher MDD achievement compared to Cincinnati and Mexico City infants at all measured ages.
  • Specific food group consumption varied, with meat/seafood higher in Shanghai and dairy/grains/fruit higher in Cincinnati. Notably, only 28% of highly breastfed Cincinnati infants achieved MDD.

Conclusions:

  • Infant MDD achievement varies significantly by geographic location, with Shanghai showing superior outcomes.
  • Low dietary diversity in highly breastfed infants in Cincinnati underscores a critical need for enhanced maternal education on complementary feeding.
  • Global strategies should address localized dietary practices and educational needs to promote optimal infant nutrition.
Abstract

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