Complementary feeding : a critical window of opportunity from six months onwards
Date
2013
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Medpharm Publications
Abstract
This paper aims to propose evidence-based, paediatric food-based dietary guidelines on the complementary feeding
period, from six to 24 months, of South Africa. A growing body of evidence supports the World Health Organization
recommendation that, following six months of exclusive breastfeeding, appropriate and adequate complementary
foods should be introduced, with continued breastfeeding for up to two years of age and beyond. A literature search
was done by searching electronic databases (PubMed, the Cochrane Library and Sabinet) and hand searching key
reference lists from January 2004 to April 2012, including studies published prior to 2004. Relevant international and national
documents from normative bodies, global health and infant feeding authorities, professional and scientific societies
and government were identified. It has been established that, in South Africa, high levels of stunting, growing concerns
about overweight and obesity and the poor intake of certain micronutrients in the critical six- to 24-month period are, in
part, a consequence of poor breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices, as well as the poor quality of the
complementary diet. The introduction of semi-solid foods before four months of age is a common practice. The typical
maize-based feeding pattern is low in food sourced from animals, vegetables and fruit and omega-3 fatty acids. Efforts
by mothers to improve the quality of their children’s diets by adding energy-rich food to maize meal improves energy
intake, but not micronutrient intake. Low nutrient-dense liquid, such as tea and coffee, energy-dense sugar-sweetened
drinks, an excessive intake of fruit juice and high-fat and salty snacks exacerbate poor nutrient intake and displace
nutrient-dense food in the diet. Healthcare workers should provide consistent, evidence-based messages and guidelines
to caregivers of future generations. Interventions must be implemented and strengthened at a programme level. These
could include nutrition education to improve caregiver practices, the use of high-quality, locally available foods, the use
of enriched complementary foods, and exceptional support of food-insecure populations.
Description
CITATION: Du Plessis, L. M., Kruger, H. S. & Sweet, L. 2013. Complementary feeding : a critical window of opportunity from six months onwards. South African Journal Clinical Nutrition, 26(3)(Supplement):S129-S140.
The original publication is available at http://www.sajcn.co.za
The original publication is available at http://www.sajcn.co.za
Keywords
Nutrition, Baby foods
Citation
South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Du Plessis, L. M., Kruger, H. S. & Sweet, L. 2013. Complementary feeding : a critical window of opportunity from six months onwards. South African Journal Clinical Nutrition, 26(3)(Supplement):S129-S140.
Du Plessis, L. M., Kruger, H. S. & Sweet, L. 2013. Complementary feeding : a critical window of opportunity from six months onwards. South African Journal Clinical Nutrition, 26(3)(Supplement):S129-S140.