Differences in Complementary Feeding of 6 to 23 Month Olds in China, US and Mexico

Abstract

The transition from exclusive breastfeeding to family foods, referred to as complementary feeding, typically covers the period from 6 to 18-24 months of age [1]. Since children under two years of age have high nutrient needs to support their rapid growth and development but consume relatively small amounts of food at a time, complementary foods need to be far more nutrient-dense than foods consumed by adults [2]. The introduction of complementary food is influenced by cultural and traditional beliefs [3-5]. Food culture and habits in a country influence the ability to meet nutritional needs of infants and young children during the feeding transition. We have previously reported risk of inadequate intakes of fat, vitamin B6 and folate and high sodium intake in China [6] and low fiber and high saturated fat intakes that exceeded recommendations in the US [7]. In addition, we have reported high proportions of infants and young children consume sugar sweetened beverages and sweets in the US and Mexico [8, 9] and high proportions of infants and young children in China consume refined rice while low proportions consume vegetables [10]. Up to now, quantities of complementary foods have not been reported and few studies have compared differences in complementary foods consumed and how consumption of major food groups shifts with age across different parts of the world. This type of information can be useful for health professionals as it provides context to understand culture-specific complementary feeding practices. Hence, the aim of this study is to describe and compare complementary foods consumed in China, US and Mexico using data from the dietary surveys conducted in the three countries.

Food Sources of Energy and Nutrients in Infants, Toddlers, and Young Children from the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012

“…Previous studies in Mexico have shown that iron intake of infants did not meet recommendations [ 14 ], heme-iron intake was low [ 17 ], and iron-deficiency anemia was prevalent (23%) [ 10 ]. It has already been reported that complementary feeding practices in Mexico lack animal foods [ 39 , 40 ]. In our study, we found that meats provided less than 1% of energy among infants 6–11.9 month olds and were not among the top 10 food sources of energy in toddlers and young children.…”

The Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study (FITS) 2016: Moving Forward

“…Similar studies are also now underway in other countries, including China ( 46–48 ), Mexico ( 49 , 50 ), and Russia ( 51 ), and will soon be underway in the Philippines, India, the Middle East, and Brazil. These will continue to inform us about the similarities and differences in infant and child feeding practices between countries ( 52 ).…”

Nutraceuticals and Their Contribution to Preventing Noncommunicable Diseases

“…A study conducted by scientists from Nestle Research Center and the Nestle Nutrition Global R&D [36] demonstrated the difference that exists in the consumption of complementary foods and as part of the diet of 3103 children between 6 and 23 months of age from China (n = 906), the United States of America (USA) (n = 1430), and Mexico (n = 906). Supplementary foods are necessary after the breastfeeding period, as these natural foods of plant and animal origin contribute to the child's development and growth.…”

“…In the USA and Mexico, large portions of food ingested by children from an early age, including sugary fruit-based drinks, processed drinks, and sweets, with a low consumption of iron-fortified cereal in the case of Mexican children. These excesses are the key to promoting childhood obesity and hypertension problems, as well as diabetes [36]. Concerning China, the high consumption of refined rice, a food low in nutrients, predominates.…”