Mineral content of complementary foods.
OBJECTIVE
To document mineral contents iron, zinc, calcium, energy contents and nutrient densities in complementary foods commonly given to young urban slum children.


METHODS
Information on dietary intake was collected from 892 mothers of children aged 13-24 months, using 24 hour dietary recall and standardized measures. Three variations of 27 most commonly prepared recipes were analyzed and their energy (Kcal/g) and nutrient densities (mg/100 Kcal) were calculated.


RESULTS
Considerable variations were observed in preparation of all items fed to the children. Cereal-based items predominated their diets with only small amount of vegetables/fruits. Fenugreek was the only leafy vegetable included, but was given to only 1-2% of children. Iron, calcium, zinc contents of staple complementary foods ranged from: 0.33 mg to 3.73 mg, 4 mg to 64 mg, and 0.35 mg to 2.99 mg/100 respectively. Recipes diluted with less water and containing vegetables, spices had higher mineral content. Minerals densities were higher for dals, fenugreek vegetable, khichdi and chapatti. Using the median amounts of the various recipes fed to children, intakes of all nutrients examined especially calcium and iron was low.


CONCLUSIONS
There is an urgent need to educate mothers about consistency, dilution, quantity, frequency, method of preparation, inclusion of micronutrient-rich foods, energy-dense complementary foods and gender equality.
Jani
Rati
R
Department of Food Science and Nutrition, S.N.D.T Women's University, Mumbai, India. rati.suj@gmail.com
Udipi
S A
SA
Ghugre
P S
PS
D002118:Calcium / Q000032:analysis; D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D005504:Food Analysis; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008903:Minerals / Q000032:analysis*; D009035:Mothers / Q000193:education; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D009753:Nutritive Value; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013663:Teaching; D014505:Urban Population; D015032:Zinc / Q000032:analysis
D008903:Minerals; D015032:Zinc; D002118:Calcium