Title: Complementary Feeding Practices among Young Children in China, India, and Indonesia: A Narrative Review
| Authors: | Outi Sirkka et al |
| Published: | 2022 |
| Journal: | Current Developments in Nutrition |
This publication ‘Complementary Feeding Practices among Young Children in China, India, and Indonesia: A Narrative Review’ of Outi Sirkka (senior scientist at Danone Research & Innovation) et al was published by Current Developments in Nutrition.
Complementary Feeding (CF) is defined as the process of giving a baby other foods and liquids in addition to breast milk. Inappropriate complementary feeding practices can lead to malnutrition and even have implications on health later in life.
Malnutrition is a leading cause of poor health worldwide and includes conditions like undernutrition (stunting, wasting, or underweight) as well as overweight and obesity. Approximately 70% of the world’s malnourished children live in Asia.
The authors conducted a literature review on the most recent information on CF practices among children below 2 years of age in China, India, and Indonesia.
The findings in the publication show that inadequate feeding practices were described in all countries, in particular;
- Complementary foods are introduced at an impropriate time (too early or too late).
- Diets are characterized by a low variety and frequency of feedings, consisting mainly of staple foods (rice, cereals or noodles).
- A significant amount of urban and rural children are consuming energy-dense/nutrient‐poor snacks and sugary drinks already during the complementary feeding period.
The authors suggest that the described practices may pose a significant risk for the development of nutritional gaps, magnifying the double- and triple burden of malnutrition present in these countries.
The publication’s findings imply that the feeding practices of young children are country specific. Therefore, in order to enhance young children’s nutrition, a strategy that considers the cultural diversity in feeding practices is required.
The findings may aid in the development of educational tools and raising awareness among parents and health care professionals about of the importance of diet during the CF period.
The publication was featured by Nutra Ingredients Asia
More publications from Outi Sirkka can found here: