Complementary feeding patterns of Filipino infants and toddlers lack diversity, especially among children from poor households

Abstract

Consumption of nutritionally adequate complementary foods is essential for optimal growth and development of infants and toddlers, particularly in developing countries. The aim of this study was to describe percentages of consumption, energy contribution (6-23.9mo), and usual nutrient intakes (12-23.9mo) from complementary foods among Filipino infants and toddlers stratified by household wealth. Data from 1087 infants and toddlers from the 2013 National Nutrition Survey were included. Dietary intake data was assessed using a 24Hr recall and population food intakes were stratified into pre-defined wealth categories. Breast milk, infant formula, powdered milk and rice were the most commonly consumed foods and beverages across the age groups. Several differences in complementary feeding by wealth status were observed. Infants and toddlers from poor households reported significantly greater consumption of human milk, in comparison to those from the rich households who reported a significantly greater consumption of infant/toddler formula (P>0.05). A higher percentage of toddlers from rich households consumed protein-containing foods, cookies and cakes. There was no difference in fruit and vegetable consumption between wealth groups in 6-11.9mo and 18-23.9mo children. Human milk and formula were the top contributors to energy in 6.11.9mo and 12-17.9mo children, while rice was the top energy contributor in 18-23.9mo children. Intakes of protein, fat, vitamin C, B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin E, iron and calcium were higher in 12-23.9mo children from rich households. Interventions are required to enable caregivers of young Filipino children to provide complementary foods of high nutritional quality, particularly among children from the poor households.