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

Abstract

Background Consumption of nutritionally adequate complementary foods is essential for optimal growth and development of infants and toddlers, including those in developing countries. The aim of this study was to describe the food and beverage consumption patterns among 6–23.9 month old Filipino infants and toddlers, by household wealth. Methods 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. Results 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 from poor households (69%) reported significantly greater consumption of human milk, than those from rich households (42%) who reported a significantly greater consumption of infant/toddler formula (Poor: 22%, Rich: 56%) (P < 0.05). A higher percentage of toddlers from rich households consumed protein-containing foods, cookies and cakes. There was a significant difference in vegetable consumption in 12–17.9 month old children (Poor: 17%, Rich: 31%; P = 0.021). Human milk and formula were the top contributors to energy in 6–17.9 month old children, while rice was the top energy contributor in 18–23.9 month old children. Conclusion Milk and rice were the main dietary components in all Filipino children, contributing up to 60% of energy in the infants from poorer households. Consumption of protein-containing foods and vegetables were typically lower in poorer 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.

Estimates and trends of zero vegetable or fruit consumption among children aged 6–23 months in 64 countries

“…Our study shows that wealthier households and children whose mothers had more education, exposure to media, or were employed had lower odds of ZVF consumption. These findings are similar to other studies that have examined MDD [ 7 – 11 , 17 ] and fruit and vegetable consumption [ 18 ] in children. Additionally, data from high-income settings describe a range in the prevalence fruit and vegetable consumption that is similar to some of the LMICs included in our study and this may suggest similar underlying socioeconomic inequalities that contribute to ZVF consumption across contexts [ 12 – 15 ].…”

“…Data from low-income settings have traditionally been scarce. Two studies from the Philippines reported that in a 24-hour recall, few children aged 6–23 months consumed vegetables (11% to 30%) and fruits (5% to 14%), and consumption varied by income [ 16 , 17 ]. More recently a multi-country study on vegetable and fruit consumption among children 6–23 months reported an overall prevalence of zero fruit or vegetable consumption in low-income and lower-middle-income countries of 45%.…”

Low-incomeFilipino mothers’ cultural perceptions of healthy mothers and children do not align with standard nutritional recommendations

“…15 In children aged 36 to 59.9 months, the major sources of energy and nutrients were rice, sugar-sweetened beverages, cow's milk, bread, noodles, and cookies. 15 Other analyses confirmed that, regardless of income level, diets of young Filipino children aged 6 months to 5 years lacked diversity 16,17 and were characterized by high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, cookies and cakes. 15,17 This dietary pattern is manifested in a high prevalence of dental caries in the population.…”

“…15 Other analyses confirmed that, regardless of income level, diets of young Filipino children aged 6 months to 5 years lacked diversity 16,17 and were characterized by high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, cookies and cakes. 15,17 This dietary pattern is manifested in a high prevalence of dental caries in the population. 18 Toothache is a major cause of absenteeism in schoolchildren.…”

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

“…Fialkowski et al found that poi remains a staple in the diets of infants in Hawai'i [33]. Similarly, taro along with coconut were traditional first foods among Other Pacific Islanders [34]. In Filipino culture, the introduction of complementary foods occurred at 6 months, with rice offered as the first food [35].…”