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Complementary foods for infant feeding in developing countries: their nutrient adequacy and improvement
R S Gibson1, E L Ferguson, J Lehrfeld
1Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|November 7, 1998
Summary
Plant-based complementary foods in developing countries often lack essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and zinc. Fortification research is needed to ensure adequate infant nutrition and prevent deficiencies.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
- Food Science
Background:
- Complementary feeding is crucial for infant nutrition after six months.
- Plant-based diets are common in many developing regions.
- Nutrient adequacy of traditional complementary foods is often a concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the energy and nutrient content of diverse plant-based complementary foods.
- To compare food nutrient profiles with infant nutritional requirements in specific regions.
- To identify potential nutrient shortfalls in complementary feeding practices.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed energy, nutrient, and anti-nutrient content of 23 plant-based foods.
- Calculated nutrient values per 100g, per 100 kcal, and per day.
- Compared findings with estimated daily nutrient needs for 9-11 month old infants.
Main Results:
- Most foods met requirements for protein, thiamin, and copper.
- Significant shortfalls were observed for calcium, iron, and zinc, even with assumed bioavailability.
- Some rice-based foods were also deficient in riboflavin.
Conclusions:
- Improving bioavailability alone is insufficient to correct calcium, iron, and zinc deficits.
- Plant-based complementary foods require fortification to meet infant needs.
- Urgent research into fortifying these foods with calcium, iron, and zinc is recommended.