Jiménez ASM, Martín GI, Rodríguez SA, Silvera TD, Núñez TE, Alfonso FK

Language: Spanish
References: 0
Page: 79-93
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ABSTRACT

Introduction: optimal infant and young child feeding practices are among the most effective interventions to improve child health. Food consumption surveys are extremely important for early detection of inadequate food intake and its impact on health.
Objectives: identify actual complementary feeding practices and determine the adequacy of energy and nutrient intake.
Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted with children aged 6-23 months. The study included two-staged random sampling. The sample was composed of 560 children. Sociodemographic information was obtained about the children and their family environment. A food intake survey was applied based on 24-hour recall.
Results: the survey was applied to 543 mothers of children aged 6-23 months. It was found that 42.4 % of the children under one year of age are breastfed, a percentage that falls to 20.9 % during the second year of life. Fruit and vegetable intake is low. Children under one year of age consumed 914 kcal on average, and 45.3 % exceed the energy intake recommendations for that age, which constituted excessive consumption. Children aged 1-2 years consume 1 052 kcal. As to minerals, low iron intake stands out, with 51.1 % of the children consuming less than required.
Conclusions: the high percentage of children with an excessive energy intake is a risk factor for obesity since early life stages.