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Age at introduction of complementary food and physical growth from 2 to 9 months in rural Senegal

K B Simondon1, F Simondon

  • 1ORSTOM, Institut Français de Recherche Scientifique pour le Développement en Coopération, Montpellier, France.

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|November 5, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Introducing complementary foods (CF) early, at 2-3 months, was linked to poorer infant nutritional status but not slower growth. Later introduction, by 4-5 months, showed slightly slower linear growth in infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Nutrition Science
  • Growth Monitoring

Background:

  • Optimal timing for introducing complementary foods (CF) is crucial for infant nutrition and growth.
  • Early or delayed introduction of CF can impact infant health outcomes.
  • Understanding the relationship between CF introduction age and physical development is essential for public health guidelines.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the nutritional status and physical growth of infants based on the age they started complementary feeding (CF).

Main Methods:

  • A longitudinal observational study was conducted in rural Senegal.
  • 522 infants aged 2-3 months were recruited; data from 420 infants were analyzed.
  • Key outcomes measured were increments in length and weight between visits.

Main Results:

  • Infants introduced to CF at 2-3 months showed significantly lower length-for-age, weight-for-length, and arm circumference compared to predominantly breastfed infants.
  • No significant difference in weight and length growth from 2-3 to 9-10 months was observed between early and later CF introduction groups.
  • Introduction of CF by 4-5 months was associated with slightly slower linear growth between 4-5 and 6-7 months compared to later introduction.

Conclusions:

  • Early introduction of CF (by 2-3 months) was associated with poorer initial nutritional status but did not impede overall growth up to 9-10 months.
  • Introducing CF by 4-5 months showed a slight association with slower linear growth compared to later introduction.
  • The findings suggest a nuanced approach to CF timing, balancing nutritional status and growth considerations.
Abstract

Keywords:
AfricaAfrica South Of The SaharaAge FactorsAnthropometryBiologyChild DevelopmentDemographic FactorsDeveloping CountriesFrench Speaking AfricaGrowthHealthInfantInfant NutritionMeasurementNutritionPopulationPopulation CharacteristicsProspective StudiesResearch MethodologyResearch ReportSenegalStudiesSupplementary FeedingWestern AfricaYouth

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