Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
9.0
5.9
Journals
Nutrients
Special Issues
Feeding Practice and Infant and Young Child Health
nutrients-logo
Submit to Nutrients Review for Nutrients Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Feeding Practice and Infant and Young Child Health

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Pediatric Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 November 2022) | Viewed by 61297

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Piotr Socha

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Public Health Department, Children’s Memorial Health Institute, 04-730 Warsaw, Poland
Interests: feeding disorders; enteral nutrition; parenteral nutrition; liver biopsy; lab diagnostic- fatty acid analysis by GCMS; statistics; GCP; clinical research methodology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Cristiana Berti

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
SC Pediatria Immunoreumatologia, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
Interests: pediatric populations; feeding practices; eating behaviour; human nutrition; micronutrients
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Early childhood feeding practices, especially in the first 2 years of life, are essential to a healthy growth and development, shaping feeding habits that could last a lifetime. The World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have set a global strategy for optimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF):

  • Early initiation of breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth;
  • Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life;
  • Introduction of nutritionally adequate and safe complementary (solid) foods at 6 months along with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond.

However, many infants and children do not receive optimal feeding, with only around 44% of infants aged 0–6 months being exclusively breastfed during 2015–2020, potentially causing undernutrition resulting in an increased possibility of death, non-communicable diseases and obesity.

This Special Issue will collate recent high-quality research in the field of breastfeeding, weaning and infant and young child health. Submissions focusing on underrepresented populations are welcome, including reports of original research (e.g., longitudinal studies, health promotion intervention studies, qualitative research and epidemiologies) or reviews (e.g., systematic reviews and meta-analyses).

Prof. Dr. Piotr Socha
Dr. Cristiana Berti
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • feeding practices
  • infant and young child feeding
  • breastfeeding
  • complementary feeding
  • non-communicable diseases
  • obesity
  • eating habits

Published Papers (20 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review, Other

5 pages, 210 KiB  
Editorial
Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices and Health
by Cristiana Berti and Piotr Socha
Nutrients 2023, 15(5), 1184; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15051184 - 27 Feb 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2579
Abstract
Early childhood feeding practices are fundamental for a child’s healthy growth, development and potential [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feeding Practice and Infant and Young Child Health)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review, Other

14 pages, 496 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Feeding Practices and Growth of Urbanized African Infants Aged 6–12 Months Old by Maternal HIV Status in Gauteng Province, South Africa
by Phumudzo Tshiambara, Marinel Hoffman, Heather Legodi, Tanita Botha, Helen Mulol, Pedro Pisa and Ute Feucht
Nutrients 2023, 15(6), 1500; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15061500 - 21 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1626
Abstract
Appropriate feeding practices are protective against malnutrition and poor growth. We compared feeding practices and growth in HIV-exposed-uninfected (HEU) and HIV-unexposed-uninfected (HUU) between 6-12 months of age in urbanized African infants in South Africa. A repeated cross-sectional analysis was used to determine differences [...] Read more.
Appropriate feeding practices are protective against malnutrition and poor growth. We compared feeding practices and growth in HIV-exposed-uninfected (HEU) and HIV-unexposed-uninfected (HUU) between 6-12 months of age in urbanized African infants in South Africa. A repeated cross-sectional analysis was used to determine differences in infant feeding practices and anthropometric measures by HIV exposure status at 6, 9, and 12 months in the Siyakhula study. The study included 181 infants (86 HEU; 95 HUU). Breastfeeding rates were lower in HEU vs. HUU infants at 9 (35.6% vs. 57.3%; p = 0.013) and 12 months (24.7% vs. 48.0%; p = 0.005). Introduction to early complementary foods was common (HEU = 16.2 ± 11.0 vs. HUU = 12.8 ± 9.3 weeks; p = 0.118). Lower weight-for-age Z-scores (WAZ) and head circumference-for-age Z-scores (HCZ) were found in HEU infants at birth. At 6 months, WAZ, length-for-age Z-scores (LAZ), HCZ, and mid-upper-arm circumference-for-age Z-scores (MUACAZ) were lower in HEU vs. HUU infants. At 9 months, lower WAZ, LAZ, and MUACAZ were found in HEU vs. HUU infants. At 12 months, lower WAZ, MUACAZ, and weight-for-length Z-scores (−0.2 ± 1.2 vs. 0.2 ± 1.2; p = 0.020) were observed. HEU infants had lower rates of breastfeeding and poorer growth compared to HUU infants. Maternal HIV exposure affects the feeding practices and growth of infants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feeding Practice and Infant and Young Child Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 2500 KiB  
Article
Micronutrient Profile and Carbohydrate Microstructure of Commercially Prepared and Home Prepared Infant Fruit and Vegetable Purees
by Lyndsey R. Huss, Julie Dean, Lisa M. Lamothe, Bruce Hamaker, Brad Reuhs, Michael I. Goran and Kim-Anne Lê
Nutrients 2023, 15(1), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15010045 - 22 Dec 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3065
Abstract
Large variability exists in ingredient selection and preparation of home prepared infant purees and there is a lack of data on nutritional quality in comparison to commercially prepared purees. This work had two aims. Study 1 compared the nutritional value of commercially prepared [...] Read more.
Large variability exists in ingredient selection and preparation of home prepared infant purees and there is a lack of data on nutritional quality in comparison to commercially prepared purees. This work had two aims. Study 1 compared the nutritional value of commercially prepared and home prepared infant purees. Food profiles from national food composition databases were used as a proxy for home prepared puree and served as the benchmark for the commercially prepared infant purees. Study 2 focused on a subset of produce that underwent molecular weight analysis to determine differences in carbohydrate profiles. Eighty-eight percent of the measurable micronutrients fell within or above the home prepared norm range with micronutrients falling below the range explained by differences in soil and growing conditions. Physicochemical characterization showed similar carbohydrate profiles with >90% of the carbohydrate fraction in the water extract constituted by low molecular weight sugars for purees produced with home preparation and commercial preparation. The estimated glycemic load (eGL) showed comparable potential impact on blood sugar levels with all purees having a low eGL (<10 glucose equivalent). In conclusion, these data suggest that both preparations provide similar micronutrient density and carbohydrate profiles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feeding Practice and Infant and Young Child Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 433 KiB  
Article
Association between Serum Zinc and Toll-like-Receptor- Related Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases in Well-Nourished Children with a Low Prevalence of Zinc Deficiency: A Prospective Cohort Study
by Sui-Ling Liao, Man-Chin Hua, Ming-Han Tsai, Kuan-Wen Su, Chi Lin, Tsung-Chieh Yao, Li-Chen Chen, Kuo-Wei Yeh, Jing-Long Huang and Shen-Hao Lai
Nutrients 2022, 14(24), 5395; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14245395 - 19 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2177
Abstract
Existing reports focus on zinc-associated immunity and infection in malnourished children; however, whether zinc also plays an important role in the immune homeostasis of the non-zinc-deficient population remained unknown. This study aimed to investigate the association between zinc status and toll-like receptor (TLR)-related [...] Read more.
Existing reports focus on zinc-associated immunity and infection in malnourished children; however, whether zinc also plays an important role in the immune homeostasis of the non-zinc-deficient population remained unknown. This study aimed to investigate the association between zinc status and toll-like receptor (TLR)-related innate immunity and infectious outcome in well-nourished children. A total of 961 blood samples were collected from 1 through 5 years of age. Serum zinc was analyzed, and mononuclear cells isolated to assess TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 production by ELISA after stimulation with TLR ligands. Childhood infections were analyzed as binary outcomes with logistic regression. The prevalence of zinc deficiency was 1.4–9.6% throughout the first 5 years. There was significant association between zinc and TLR-stimulated cytokine responses. Higher serum zinc was associated with decreased risk of ever having pneumonia (aOR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.90, 0.99) at 3 years, and enterocolitis (aOR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.93, 0.99) at 5 years. Serum zinc was lower in children who have had pneumonia before 3 years of age (72.6 ± 9 vs. 81.9 ± 13 μg/dL), and enterocolitis before 5 years (89.3 ± 12 vs. 95.5 ± 13 μg/dL). We emphasize the importance of maintaining optimal serum zinc in the young population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feeding Practice and Infant and Young Child Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1381 KiB  
Article
Identifying Predictors for Minimum Dietary Diversity and Minimum Meal Frequency in Children Aged 6–23 Months in Uganda
by Giulia Scarpa, Lea Berrang-Ford, Maria Galazoula, Paul Kakwangire, Didacus B. Namanya, Florence Tushemerirwe, Laura Ahumuza and Janet E. Cade
Nutrients 2022, 14(24), 5208; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14245208 - 7 Dec 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2121
Abstract
Adequate complementary foods contribute to good health and growth in young children. However, many countries are still off-track in achieving critical complementary feeding indicators, such as minimum meal frequency (MMF), minimum dietary diversity (MDD) and minimum acceptable diet (MAD). In this study, we [...] Read more.
Adequate complementary foods contribute to good health and growth in young children. However, many countries are still off-track in achieving critical complementary feeding indicators, such as minimum meal frequency (MMF), minimum dietary diversity (MDD) and minimum acceptable diet (MAD). In this study, we used the 2016 Ugandan Demographic Health Survey (UDHS) data to assess child feeding practices in young children aged 6–23 months. We assess and describe complementary feeding indicators (MMF, MDD and MAD) for Uganda, considering geographic variation. We construct multivariable logistic regression models—stratified by age—to evaluate four theorized predictors of MMF and MDD: health status, vaccination status, household wealth and female empowerment. Our findings show an improvement of complementary feeding practice indicators in Uganda compared to the past, although the MAD threshold was reached by only 22% of children. Children who did not achieve 1 or more complementary feeding indicators are primarily based in the northern regions of Uganda. Cereals and roots were the foods most consumed daily by young children (80%), while eggs were rarely eaten. Consistent with our hypotheses, we found that health status, vaccination status and wealth were significantly positively associated with MDD and MMF, while female empowerment was not. Improving nutrition in infant and young children is a priority. Urgent nutritional policies and acceptable interventions are needed to guarantee nutritious and age-appropriate complementary foods to each Ugandan child in the first years of life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feeding Practice and Infant and Young Child Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 798 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Breastfeeding for Four Months on Thinness, Overweight, and Obesity in Children Aged 3 to 6 Years: A Retrospective Cohort Study from National Physical Fitness Surveillance of Jiangsu Province, China
by Huiming Huang, Yanan Gao, Na Zhu, Guoqing Yuan, Xiaohan Li, Yong Feng, Linna Gao and Junwu Yu
Nutrients 2022, 14(19), 4154; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14194154 - 6 Oct 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1860
Abstract
Objective: To explore the effects of breastfeeding during the first four months of life on thinness, overweight, and obesity and to analyze the influential factors in children aged three to six years in eastern China. Methods: This study was designed as a retrospective [...] Read more.
Objective: To explore the effects of breastfeeding during the first four months of life on thinness, overweight, and obesity and to analyze the influential factors in children aged three to six years in eastern China. Methods: This study was designed as a retrospective cohort study, and the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines were followed. A total of 8053 subjects were included in this secondary analysis of data from the 2015 “Physical Fitness Surveillance data of Jiangsu, China”. The subjects were classified into three groups on the basis of feeding patterns: breastfeeding, mixed feeding, and formula feeding. The International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) definitions of BMI were used to define thinness, overweight, and obesity. Multivariate logistic regression models and subgroup analysis were used to assess the association between feeding patterns and childhood thinness, overweight, obesity, and overweight/obesity, adjusted for potential confounders (sex, age grade, area, region/economy, gestational age, birthweight, childbearing age, mother’s education, and caretaker). Results: The prevalence of breastfeeding was 63.8%, and the prevalence of thinness, overweight, obesity, and overweight/obesity reached 2.7%, 11.2%, 4.7%, and 15.9%, respectively. Breastfeeding participants had a lower risk of overweight and overweight/obesity with adjusted ORs of 0.652 (95% CI: 0.533, 0.797; p < 0.001) and 0.721 (95% CI: 0.602, 0.862; p < 0.001), respectively; however, there was no difference in thinness and obesity (both p > 0.05) compared with formula feeding. There was no statistical difference between mixed and formula feeding, in terms of thinness, overweight, obesity, or overweight/obesity (all p > 0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that breastfeeding for three years, preterm, and a childbearing age of 25–29 years had higher adjusted ORs for thinness, and in 5–6 years, urban areas, southern/developed economy regions, post-mature, childbearing age ≥ 25 years, and other caretakers had higher and invalid breastfeeding-adjusted ORs (all p > 0.05 except overweight in the urban grade) for both overweight and overweight/obesity. Conclusions: Breastfeeding during the first four months was not associated with the thinness of children aged 3–6 years in eastern China, and the protective effect of breastfeeding against overweight or overweight/obesity could be confirmed. However, the effects of breastfeeding on thinness, overweight, and obesity may change or become invalid in some subgroups, suggesting that there may be potential interactions between feeding patterns and influential factors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feeding Practice and Infant and Young Child Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 846 KiB  
Article
Feeding Practices of Infants and Toddlers by Their Mothers in Selected Northern Emirates of the United Arab Emirates
by Habiba I. Ali, Emmanuella Magriplis, Amita Attlee, Ayesha S. Al Dhaheri, Leila Cheikh Ismail and Lily Stojanovska
Nutrients 2022, 14(18), 3719; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14183719 - 9 Sep 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1685
Abstract
Research on the feeding practices of infants and young children in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is limited, especially in the northern regions of the country. A retrospective web-based survey was conducted to assess child feeding practices among the mothers of young children [...] Read more.
Research on the feeding practices of infants and young children in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is limited, especially in the northern regions of the country. A retrospective web-based survey was conducted to assess child feeding practices among the mothers of young children aged 6 months to 2.5 years in the northern emirates of the UAE. Information from a total of 475 mothers was collected on maternal socio-demographic factors, child feeding practices, and the use of vitamin and mineral supplements. For the first 6 months, 46.7% of the infants were exclusively breastfed, 43.8% were fed on both breastmilk and formula, and 9.5% were given formula only. Significant differences in the types of feeding were found correlating with maternal age (p = 0.02) and employment status (p < 0.001) but not with educational level, with a higher proportion of younger and unemployed women exclusively breastfeeding. However, although a significantly higher proportion of mothers with lower educational levels breastfed their children for ≥6 months (p = 0.026), they introduced “other milk” (non-breastmilk or formula) before the child reached the age of 12 months (p = 0.022). In this study, 22.1% of the infants and 8.1% of the toddlers did not receive an animal source of iron, while 52.6% of the children received vitamin/mineral supplements. The median daily frequency intake of sweets and savory snacks was substantially higher than the respective intake of fruits and vegetables. Intervention programs that focus on healthy infant and toddler feeding, including food sources of iron and nutrient-dense food groups, are needed in the UAE. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feeding Practice and Infant and Young Child Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 674 KiB  
Article
Exclusive Breastfeeding for at Least Four Months Is Associated with a Lower Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in Mothers and Their Children after 2–5 Years from Delivery
by Maria Mantzorou, Dimitrios Papandreou, Georgios K. Vasios, Eleni Pavlidou, Georgios Antasouras, Evmorfia Psara, Zainab Taha, Efthymios Poulios and Constantinos Giaginis
Nutrients 2022, 14(17), 3599; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14173599 - 31 Aug 2022
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 3664
Abstract
Introduction: Obesity is a current public health concern. Higher body weight is influenced by genetic and environmental parameters, and their interplay and is associated with a greater risk for several chronic diseases. Breastfeeding has been suggested as a preventive measure against obesity, which [...] Read more.
Introduction: Obesity is a current public health concern. Higher body weight is influenced by genetic and environmental parameters, and their interplay and is associated with a greater risk for several chronic diseases. Breastfeeding has been suggested as a preventive measure against obesity, which can further reduce long-term negative health outcomes for both women and children. Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of breastfeeding on maternal and childhood overweight and obesity. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on 2515 healthy mothers and their children, aged 2–5 years, enrolled from nine different Greek rural and urban regions. Validated, standardized questionnaires were administrated that included anthropometric indices, socio-demographic characteristics of mothers and children, as well as breastfeeding practices. Results: Overall, 68% of participated women exclusively breastfed their children for at least 4 months. Mothers that exclusively breastfed showed a significantly lower prevalence of overweight and obesity after 2–5 years from delivery (p < 0.0001). Children that had exclusively been breastfed showed a significantly lower prevalence of overweight and obesity at the age of 2–5 years (p < 0.0001). Using multivariate regression analysis, exclusive breastfeeding for at least 4 months was associated with a two-fold lower risk for maternal and childhood overweight and obesity after 2–5 years from delivery, independent from maternal age, educational and economic status, and smoking habits (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Exclusive breastfeeding for at least 4 months had a positive effect on childhood overweight and obesity, also contributing beneficially to post-natal maternal weight control. The beneficial effects of breastfeeding should be communicated to future and new mothers, while supportive actions for all mothers to initiate and continue breastfeeding their offspring should be implemented. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feeding Practice and Infant and Young Child Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 528 KiB  
Article
Potential of Egg as Complementary Food to Improve Nutrient Intake and Dietary Diversity
by Mieke Faber, Linda Malan, Herculina S. Kruger, Hannah Asare, Marina Visser, Tshiphiri Mukwevho, Cristian Ricci and Cornelius M. Smuts
Nutrients 2022, 14(16), 3396; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14163396 - 18 Aug 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5850
Abstract
The original aim was to determine the effect of egg consumption on infant growth in a low socioeconomic community in South Africa in a randomized controlled trial. Enrolment was, however, prematurely stopped due to COVID-19 lockdown regulations. The resultant small sample (egg group [...] Read more.
The original aim was to determine the effect of egg consumption on infant growth in a low socioeconomic community in South Africa in a randomized controlled trial. Enrolment was, however, prematurely stopped due to COVID-19 lockdown regulations. The resultant small sample (egg group n = 70; control group n = 85) was followed up to assess the feasibility of egg consumption for eight months in terms of dietary intake, egg usage and perceived effects of lockdown on child feeding. Egg consumption remained low in the control group, <10% consumed egg ≥4 days/week at the follow-up points. In the egg group, egg was frequently consumed at midpoint (daily 87.1%, 4–6 days 8.1%) and endpoint (daily 53.1%, 4–6 days 21.9%). At endpoint, dietary intake of cholesterol and vitamin D was higher, and intake of niacin and vitamin B6 lower in the egg group compared to the control group. Dietary diversity was low, 36.2% of the egg group and 18.9% of the control group (p < 0.05) achieved minimum dietary diversity at endpoint. No babies developed egg allergy or sensitization, and adjusted regression analysis showed that frequency of egg intake was not related with the incidence or duration of allergy-related symptoms. This study showed that frequent egg consumption can contribute safely to complementary food for babies, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feeding Practice and Infant and Young Child Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 4402 KiB  
Article
Retail Cost and Energy Adjusted Cost Are Associated with Dietary Diversity and Nutrient Adequacy for Diets of 6–24 Months Children
by Tshavhuyo A. Mulabisano, Ria Laubscher, Marinel Hoffman, Jillian Hill, Ernesta Kunneke, Cornelius M. Smuts and Mieke Faber
Nutrients 2022, 14(16), 3376; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14163376 - 17 Aug 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1428
Abstract
Poor nutrition during the first two years of life has long term consequences, but resource-poor households often do not have the means to access nutrient-dense and diverse diets. Pooled data of 24-h dietary recalls (n = 3336) and 2019 retail food prices [...] Read more.
Poor nutrition during the first two years of life has long term consequences, but resource-poor households often do not have the means to access nutrient-dense and diverse diets. Pooled data of 24-h dietary recalls (n = 3336) and 2019 retail food prices were analyzed to determine associations of retail cost and energy cost (per 100 kcal) with diet quality indicators for diets of 6–24-month-old South African children who were breastfed (BF-diet) and not breastfed (NBF-diet) during the 24-h recall period. Compared to the BF-diet, retail cost for the NBF-diet was three times higher for age 6–11 months, and double for age 12–17 months. Higher retail cost and energy cost were both associated with higher mean adequacy ratios and dietary diversity scores for BF and NBF diets, except energy cost for the NBF-diet for age 6–11 months. Overall, inclusion of flesh foods, vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables, and other fruit and vegetables increased from the lowest to the highest retail cost tertile. The higher cost of more nutritious diets highlights the importance of the affordability of diets in interventions aimed at improving diet quality. Possible strategies include: identifying the most-affordable foods within each food group, focusing on foods that provide multiple key micronutrients, and the inclusion of locally available indigenous foods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feeding Practice and Infant and Young Child Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 310 KiB  
Article
A Qualitative Analysis of a Caregivers’ Experience of Complementary Feeding in a Population of Native Hawaiian, Other Pacific Islander and Filipino Infants: The Timing of the Introduction of Complementary Foods, and the Role of Transgenerational Experience
by Kara Mulville, Jessie Kai, John M. Kearney, Jacqueline Ng-Osorio, Carol J. Boushey and Marie K. Fialkowski
Nutrients 2022, 14(16), 3268; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14163268 - 10 Aug 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1675
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate caregivers’ experiences of complementary feeding (CF) among the Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (NHPI), and Filipino populations. Research focused on the timing of CF commencement, and the influence of transgenerational experience on feeding practices. [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to investigate caregivers’ experiences of complementary feeding (CF) among the Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (NHPI), and Filipino populations. Research focused on the timing of CF commencement, and the influence of transgenerational experience on feeding practices. The experiences and practices of those who fed human milk exclusively (HME), were compared to those who included infant formula (F&HM). Caregivers of a subset of 32 infants who were participating in a larger longitudinal study relating to CF and diet diversity, took part in voluntary in-depth interviews relating to CF practices. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Two researchers analyzed interview transcripts. Interrater reliability and saturation were established. Institutional Review Board exemption was confirmed prior to study commencement. Interviews with 29 caregivers of infants were included in this study. Only infants of the F&HM group had an early introduction to complementary foods (<4 months of age). Caregivers reported receiving conflicting advice from healthcare professionals (HCPs) in relation to timing of the introduction of complementary foods. Nonetheless, the majority of caregivers reported following the advice of HCPs. Extended family (including grandparents) played less of a role in infant feeding, compared to previous generations. While transgenerational practices were valued and included, ultimately, the perceived health and safety of the practice for infants influenced decisions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feeding Practice and Infant and Young Child Health)
13 pages, 386 KiB  
Article
Rethinking Responsive Feeding: Insights from Bangladesh
by Maureen M. Black, Fahmida Tofail, Eric A. Hodges, Carla M. Bann, Jena D. Hamadani, Shirina Aktar and Chessa K. Lutter
Nutrients 2022, 14(15), 3156; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14153156 - 30 Jul 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2476
Abstract
Young children’s growth is influenced by food and feeding behavior. Responsive feeding has been shown to promote healthy growth and development, to prevent under- and overfeeding, and to encourage children’s self-regulation. However, most measures of responsive feeding do not incorporate bidirectional mother-infant responsivity [...] Read more.
Young children’s growth is influenced by food and feeding behavior. Responsive feeding has been shown to promote healthy growth and development, to prevent under- and overfeeding, and to encourage children’s self-regulation. However, most measures of responsive feeding do not incorporate bidirectional mother-infant responsivity or early learning principles and have not been validated against observations. To overcome these gaps, we laid the groundwork for a responsive feeding measure based on a community sample of 67 mothers and their 6–18-month-old children in Bangladesh. Children were weighed and measured. Mothers reported on their child’s dietary intake and responded to a 38-item responsive feeding questionnaire developed through a 2-phase Delphi procedure. Based on a video-recorded feeding observation, mother-child dyads were categorized into proximal (43%) and distal (57%) responsivity groups. Using stepwise logistic regression, a 9-item model from the responsive feeding questionnaire had excellent fit (AUC = 0.93), sensitivity (90%), specificity (89%), positive predictive value (87%), and negative predictive value (93%). Proximal responsivity was characterized by maternal concerns about children’s dietary intake. Distal responsivity was characterized by maternal perception of children’s happy mood during feeding. Findings support responsive feeding as modulating between proximal and distal responsivity, promoting autonomy, self-regulation, and enabling children to acquire and practice healthy eating behaviors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feeding Practice and Infant and Young Child Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

18 pages, 623 KiB  
Article
Early Feeding Factors and Eating Behaviors among Children Aged 1–3: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Daria Masztalerz-Kozubek, Monika A. Zielinska-Pukos and Jadwiga Hamulka
Nutrients 2022, 14(11), 2279; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14112279 - 29 May 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2884
Abstract
Early nutrition plays a crucial role not only in providing essential nutrients for proper child development, but may also be an important step in creating desirable eating behaviors, which can be transmitted into adulthood. The aim of this study was to assess possible [...] Read more.
Early nutrition plays a crucial role not only in providing essential nutrients for proper child development, but may also be an important step in creating desirable eating behaviors, which can be transmitted into adulthood. The aim of this study was to assess possible links between early feeding factors, such as breastfeeding, complementary feeding (timing and method) as well as types of complementary foods and mealtime environment during the first three months of complementary feeding and eating behaviors in children aged 1–3 years old. This cross-sectional, online survey involved 467 mothers of toddlers aged 1–3 years old from the whole of Poland. The questionnaire consisted of questions about early feeding and the Children’s Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ). The adjusted linear regression model revealed that longer duration of any breastfeeding was negatively related to enjoyment of food (EF), desire to drink (DD) and positively related to satiety responsiveness (SR) and slowness in eating (SE) subscales. Moreover, offering homemade complementary foods more often than commercial may be related to higher SR. Eating meals during distraction seems to be negatively associated with EF, and positively with DD and SE subscales. Our study highlights possible links between early feeding factors and toddlers’ eating behaviors, so further investigation, also including dietary factors, is needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feeding Practice and Infant and Young Child Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

12 pages, 935 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Effects of Skin-to-Skin Contact on Newborn Sucking, and Breastfeeding Abilities: A Quasi-Experimental Study Design
by Jia-Zhen Huang, Chi-Nien Chen, Chih-Ping Lee, Chien-Huei Kao, Heng-Cheng Hsu and An-Kuo Chou
Nutrients 2022, 14(9), 1846; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14091846 - 28 Apr 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4257
Abstract
Mother and newborn skin-to-skin contact (SSC) after birth has numerous protective effects. Although positive associations between SSC and breastfeeding behavior have been reported, the evidence for such associations between early SSC and breastfeeding success was limited in high-income countries. This quasi-experimental intervention design [...] Read more.
Mother and newborn skin-to-skin contact (SSC) after birth has numerous protective effects. Although positive associations between SSC and breastfeeding behavior have been reported, the evidence for such associations between early SSC and breastfeeding success was limited in high-income countries. This quasi-experimental intervention design study aimed to evaluate the impact of different SSC regimens on newborn breastfeeding outcomes in Taiwan. In total, 104 healthy mother–infant dyads (52 in the intervention group and 52 in the control group) with normal vaginal delivery were enrolled from 1 January to 30 July 2019. The intervention group received 60 min of immediate SSC, whereas the control group received routine care (early SSC with 20 min duration). Breastfeeding performance was evaluated by the IBFAT and BSES-Short Form. Generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. In the intervention group, the breastfeeding ability of newborns increased significantly after 5 min of SSC and after SSC. The intervention also improved the total score for breastfeeding self-efficacy (0.18 point; p = 0.003). GEE analysis revealed that the interaction between group and time was significant (0.65 point; p = 0.003). An initial immediate SSC regimen of 60 min can significantly improve neonatal breastfeeding ability and maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy in the short term after birth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feeding Practice and Infant and Young Child Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 298 KiB  
Article
The Relationship between Breastfeeding and Initial Vegetable Introduction with Vegetable Consumption in a National Cohort of Children Ages 1–5 Years from Low-Income Households
by Hannah R. Thompson, Christine Borger, Courtney Paolicelli, Shannon E. Whaley, Amanda Reat and Lorrene Ritchie
Nutrients 2022, 14(9), 1740; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14091740 - 22 Apr 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2227
Abstract
Compared to other food groups, vegetable intakes are lowest relative to recommendations. Breastfeeding and initial introduction to vegetables may help infants establish long-lasting taste preferences. We examined the relationship between breastfeeding and initial vegetable introduction and vegetable intake in early childhood (ages 13–60 [...] Read more.
Compared to other food groups, vegetable intakes are lowest relative to recommendations. Breastfeeding and initial introduction to vegetables may help infants establish long-lasting taste preferences. We examined the relationship between breastfeeding and initial vegetable introduction and vegetable intake in early childhood (ages 13–60 months). This repeated cross-sectional study used data from the national WIC Infant and Toddler Feeding Practices Study-2 collected from low-income mother/caregivers about infants from around birth through age 5 (60 months; n = 3773). Survey-weighted adjusted regression models assessed associations between breastfeeding and vegetable introduction measures with vegetable consumption at child ages 13, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months. Longer breastfeeding duration was associated with a slightly, but significantly, greater variety of vegetables consumed/day in early childhood. There was also a small but positive statistically significant association between the number of different types of vegetables consumed on a given day at 9 months and the amount and variety of vegetables consumed/day in early childhood. Age of initial vegetables introduction and whether vegetables were the first/second food introduced were not consistently related to the amount or variety of vegetables consumed later in childhood. Longer breastfeeding and introduction to a greater variety of vegetables at 9 months may be behaviors to target to increase consumption of a greater variety of vegetables by young children. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feeding Practice and Infant and Young Child Health)
10 pages, 522 KiB  
Article
Children Receiving a Nutrition and High-Quality Early Childhood Education Intervention Are Associated with Greater Math and Fluid Intelligence Scores: The Guatemala City Municipal Nurseries
by Ana M. Palacios, Lisa M. Villanueva, Matthew B. Flynn, Erik Parker, Stephanie Dickinson, Helen W. Bland and Greg A. Reinhart
Nutrients 2022, 14(7), 1366; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14071366 - 25 Mar 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2556
Abstract
Background: About 47% of children < 5 years of age are stunted in Guatemala. In this study, the investigators aimed to compare growth and cognitive outcomes between children in second grade that attended five Guatemala City Municipal Nurseries (GCMN) vs. same sex, grade, [...] Read more.
Background: About 47% of children < 5 years of age are stunted in Guatemala. In this study, the investigators aimed to compare growth and cognitive outcomes between children in second grade that attended five Guatemala City Municipal Nurseries (GCMN) vs. same sex, grade, and age-matched children. Methods: A cross-sectional design nested in a retrospective cohort was implemented between 2015 and 2019. Children that attended the GCMN and matched controls completed a math test and validated receptive language and fluid intelligence tests. The primary caregivers completed a sociodemographic survey. General and generalized linear mixed effect models were used to compare children that attended the GCMN vs. controls. The models were adjusted by maternal education, sex, asset score, and other relevant covariates. Results: Children that attended the GCMN exhibited greater math and fluid intelligence scores relative to the controls in the adjusted models (ß = 6.48; 95% CI (2.35–10.61)) and (ß = 1.20; 95% CI (0.12–2.29)), respectively. Lower odds of stunting were significant for children who went to any early childcare institution (AOR = 0.28; 95% CI (0.09–0.89)). Conclusions: The importance of integrating nutrition and high-quality early childhood education interventions in cognitive and growth outcomes is highlighted in this study. The GCMN model may be a scalable model in similar low-resource settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feeding Practice and Infant and Young Child Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research, Other

15 pages, 771 KiB  
Review
Interlinkages between Climate Change and Food Systems: The Impact on Child Malnutrition—Narrative Review
by Carlo Agostoni, Mattia Baglioni, Adriano La Vecchia, Giulia Molari and Cristiana Berti
Nutrients 2023, 15(2), 416; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15020416 - 13 Jan 2023
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 7816
Abstract
The pandemics of obesity, undernutrition, and climate change represent severe threats to child health. They co-occur; interact with each other to produce sequelae at biological, psychological, or social levels; and share common underlying drivers. In this paper, we review the key issues concerning [...] Read more.
The pandemics of obesity, undernutrition, and climate change represent severe threats to child health. They co-occur; interact with each other to produce sequelae at biological, psychological, or social levels; and share common underlying drivers. In this paper, we review the key issues concerning child diet and nutritional status, focusing on the interactions with climate and food systems. Inadequate infant and young child feeding practices, food insecurity, poverty, and limited access to health services are the leading causes of malnutrition across generations. Food system industrialization and globalization lead to a double burden of malnutrition, whereby undernutrition (i.e., stunting, wasting, and deficiencies in micronutrients) coexists with overweight and obesity, as well as to harmful effects on climate. Climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic are worsening child malnutrition, impacting the main underlying causes (i.e., household food security, dietary diversity, nutrient quality, and access to maternal and child health), as well as the social, economic, and political factors determining food security and nutrition (livelihoods, income, infrastructure resources, and political context). Existing interventions have the potential to be further scaled-up to concurrently address undernutrition, overnutrition, and climate change by cross-cutting education, agriculture, food systems, and social safety nets. Several stakeholders must work co-operatively to improve global sustainable nutrition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feeding Practice and Infant and Young Child Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 725 KiB  
Review
Breastfeeding Practices, Infant Formula Use, Complementary Feeding and Childhood Malnutrition: An Updated Overview of the Eastern Mediterranean Landscape
by Carla Ibrahim, Khlood Bookari, Yonna Sacre, Lara Hanna-Wakim and Maha Hoteit
Nutrients 2022, 14(19), 4201; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14194201 - 9 Oct 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4225
Abstract
Background: With increasing global rates of overweight, obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) along with undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) is no exception. This review focuses on specific nutrition parameters among under five years children, namely ever breastfed, exclusive breastfeeding, [...] Read more.
Background: With increasing global rates of overweight, obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) along with undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) is no exception. This review focuses on specific nutrition parameters among under five years children, namely ever breastfed, exclusive breastfeeding, mixed milk feeding, continued breastfeeding, bottle feeding, introduction of solid, semi-solid, or soft foods and malnutrition. Methodology: PubMed, Google Scholar, United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) databases, World Health Organization (WHO) databases, the World Bank databases and the Global Nutrition Report databases were explored between 10 January and 6 June 2022, to review the nutrition situation among under five years children in the EMR. Results: The regional average prevalence of ever breastfed, exclusive breastfeeding, mixed milk feeding, continued breastfeeding, bottle feeding, introduction of solid, semi-solid, or soft foods was estimated at 84.3%, 30.9%, 42.9%, 41.5%, 32.1% and 69.3%, respectively. Iran, Iraq, Libya and Palestine have seen a decline over time in the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding. Lebanon, Egypt, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia reported early introduction of infant formula. Moreover, Lebanon, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates were seen to introduce food early to the child, at between 4–6 months of age. The estimated weighted regional averages for stunting, wasting and underweight were 20.3%, 8.9% and 13.1%, respectively. Of concern is the increasing prevalence of stunting in Libya. As for overweight and obesity, the average prevalence was reported to be 8.9% and 3%, respectively. Lebanon, Libya, Kuwait and Palestine showed an increased trend throughout this time. Conclusions: In this review, the suboptimal infant and young child feeding patterns and the twofold incidence of malnutrition in the EMR are highlighted and we urge the prioritizing of measures to improve children’s nutrition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feeding Practice and Infant and Young Child Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 918 KiB  
Review
The Relationship between Gut Microbiota and Respiratory Tract Infections in Childhood: A Narrative Review
by Daniele Zama, Camilla Totaro, Lorenzo Biscardi, Alessandro Rocca, Silvia Turroni, Patrizia Brigidi and Marcello Lanari
Nutrients 2022, 14(14), 2992; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14142992 - 21 Jul 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2242
Abstract
Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are common in childhood and represent one of the main causes of hospitalization in this population. In recent years, many studies have described the association between gut microbiota (GM) composition and RTIs in animal models. In particular, the “inter-talk” [...] Read more.
Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are common in childhood and represent one of the main causes of hospitalization in this population. In recent years, many studies have described the association between gut microbiota (GM) composition and RTIs in animal models. In particular, the “inter-talk” between GM and the immune system has recently been unveiled. However, the role of GM in human, and especially infantile, RTIs has not yet been fully established. In this narrative review we provide an up-to-date overview of the physiological pathways that explain how the GM shapes the immune system, potentially influencing the response to common childhood respiratory viral infections and compare studies analysing the relationship between GM composition and RTIs in children. Most studies provide evidence of GM dysbiosis, but it is not yet possible to identify a distinct bacterial signature associated with RTI predisposition. A better understanding of GM involvement in RTIs could lead to innovative integrated GM-based strategies for the prevention and treatment of RTIs in the paediatric population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feeding Practice and Infant and Young Child Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

10 pages, 259 KiB  
Perspective
Young Child Nutrition: Knowledge and Surveillance Gaps across the Spectrum of Feeding
by Elizabeth J. Reverri, Mary Beth Arensberg, Robert D. Murray, Kirk W. Kerr and Karyn L. Wulf
Nutrients 2022, 14(15), 3093; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14153093 - 28 Jul 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2736
Abstract
The first 1000 days is a critical window to optimize nutrition. Young children, particularly 12–24 month-olds, are an understudied population. Young children have unique nutrient needs and reach important developmental milestones when those needs are met. Intriguingly, there are differences in the dietary [...] Read more.
The first 1000 days is a critical window to optimize nutrition. Young children, particularly 12–24 month-olds, are an understudied population. Young children have unique nutrient needs and reach important developmental milestones when those needs are met. Intriguingly, there are differences in the dietary patterns and recommendations for young children in the US vs. globally, notably for breastfeeding practices, nutrient and food guidelines, and young child formulas (YCFs)/toddler drinks. This perspective paper compares these differences in young child nutrition and identifies both knowledge gaps and surveillance gaps to be filled. Parental perceptions, feeding challenges, and nutrition challenges are also discussed. Ultimately, collaboration among academia and clinicians, the private sector, and the government will help close young child nutrition gaps in both the US and globally. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feeding Practice and Infant and Young Child Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-20
Back to TopTop