Title: Complementary feeding of young children in developing countries: a review of current scientific knowledge.

POPLINE Document Number: 274726

Author(s):

Brown K
Dewey K
Allen L

Source citation:

Geneva, Switzerland, World Health Organization [WHO], Programme of Nutrition, 1998. [240] p. (WHO/NUT/98.1)

Abstract:

This review is intended primarily for health professionals and others concerned with the nutrition, health, and well-being of children. The objective is to provide the background information that is necessary for the development of scientifically sound feeding recommendations and appropriate intervention programmes to enhance children's dietary intake and nutrition status. Although much of the information may be relevant for young children in industrialized countries, the review focuses on the particular needs of children in low-income settings, and the recommendations have been formulated with consideration for the economic and environmental constraints that are common in developing countries. The review is organized in nine sections. An introductory chapter provides the rationale for the exercise and defines some of the terms used. Chapter 2 discusses the importance of breast-feeding and the appropriate age of introduction of complementary foods, and breast-feeding duration. Chapter 3 is devoted to technical information, including energy requirements at different ages, feeding frequency, energy density, and organoleptic characteristics of food, while Chapter 4 discusses protein and micronutrients. Chapter 5 considers the role of caregivers, chapter 6 food processing and food safety, chapter 7 child feeding practices and children's dietary intake, and chapter 8 a range of programmatic interventions to promote improved child feeding. Lastly, chapter 9 summarizes current conclusions regarding appropriate child feeding and future research needs. (excerpt)

Keywords:

Developing Countries
Research Report
Low Income Population
Supplementary Feeding
Child
Nutrition
Health
Information
Knowledge
Breastfeeding
Vitamins and Minerals
Interventions
Social Class
Socioeconomic Status
Socioeconomic Factors
Economic Factors
Infant Nutrition
Youth
Age Factors
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Physiology
Biology
Programs
Organization and Administration