title: Contribution of complementary food nutrients to estimated total nutrient intakes for urban Guatemalan infants in the second semester of life.
abstract: Complementary foods (CF) are introduced earlier or later than appropriate in developing societies. They often contribute poorly to overall adequate micronutrient intake during the critical period for growth and development, which constitutes the period from 6 to 12 months of life. The objective of this study was to determine the contribution of the CF nutrients to the total estimated nutrient intake in infants in the second semester of life. Three non-consecutive 24-hour recalls interviews were conducted with mothers of 64 infants, aged 6-12 months on enrolment, from a convenience sample in a marginal urban settlement in Guatemala City. Retrospective recording of early introduction of pre- and post-lacteal feeding and introduction of first foods and beverages was included. Human milk intakes were estimated by a model based on assumptions that human milk plus CF exactly satisfied the infant's daily energy needs. The WHO/FAO Recommended Nutrient Intakes (RNI) were the standards for adequate nutrient consumption. Instances of exclusive breast feeding to 6 months were rare, with the introduction of CF earlier than recommended. Baby food in jars was mentioned most frequently as the first food offered. The contribution of CF increased with age through the second semester of life. CF contributed more of a nutrient than human milk in all instances. However,CF nutrient density for Ca, Fe, and Zn fell below international standard. Fortified sugar contributed excessive amounts of Vitamin A to the diets. We conclude that for most nutrients, intakes reached or exceeded recommendation levels, unusual within the CF experience in scientific literature.
authors.affiliation: Center for Studies of Sensory Impairment, Aging and Metabolism, Guatemala City, Guatemala.
authors.forename: Liza
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hernández
authors.forename: Raquel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Campos
authors.forename: Anke
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Enneman
authors.forename: Maria José
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Soto-Méndez
authors.forename: Marieke
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vossenaar
authors.forename: Noel W
authors.initials: NW
authors.lastname: Solomons
mesh_terms: D001942:Breast Feeding; D015930:Diet Records; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D006166:Guatemala; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007225:Infant Food / Q000032:analysis*; D008297:Male; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014505:Urban Population