Many Infants and Young Children Are Not Compliant with Mexican and International Complementary Feeding Recommendations for Milk and Other Beverages

Abstract

Mexican and international authorities provide guidelines for milk and beverage consumption for young children. This study classifies beverages as appropriate or inappropriate by age (0–5.9, 6–11.9, and 12–23.9 months) and details consumption patterns, amounts consumed, and the associated socio-demographic characteristics. Analysis of the Mexican National Nutrition and Health Survey (ENSANUT 2012) was conducted (n = 949). Among 0–5.9 month olds, 66.7% consumed either breast milk, infant formula, or a combination with no other beverages, whereas 29.3% consumed breast milk and/or infant formula with water (mean = 58 g/day) and/or other beverages (mean = 115 g/day), such as 100% fruit juice, milk, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). For infants 6–11.9 months, appropriate beverages include breast milk, infant formula, and water; only 40.2% met these recommendations. Many 6–11.9 month olds consumed age-inappropriate beverages, including milk (31%) and SSBs (35%). After 12 months of age, appropriate beverages include water, milk, and a limited amount of 100% fruit juice and SSBs; 32.4% complied fully, 18.3% consumed appropriate and inappropriate beverages, and 49.3% consumed only inappropriate beverages. Among 12–23.9 month olds, 58% consumed milk, 18% juice, and 42% water while 63% consumed SSBs. Many infants and young children are not compliant with Mexican and international breastfeeding and complementary feeding guidelines for beverages. Communication and guidance about age-appropriate beverages should be improved.

Metabolic Impact of Infant Formulas in Young Infants. An Outlook From the Urine Metabolome

“…In fact, according the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 40, 50 and 75% of babies of 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively, receive infant formula 7 . Similar results have been reported worldwide indicating that between 30-60% of children below six months old receive infant formulas [8][9][10] .…”

Parental Feeding Styles and Their Association With Complementary Feeding Practices and Growth in Mexican Children

“…In our study sample <50% of 6-and 9month-old infants comply with this indicator. Additionally we found, consistent with previous research on Mexican infants (5), that from 6-month of age, infants were already consuming SSB and ultra-processed foods, and continued this practice as they grew older. Consumption of SSB and ultra-processed foods at early age represent a major public health concern, due to the low nutritional quality of these products and their potential of altering the regulatory mechanisms of appetite and satiety (6,8).…”

“…The interruption of exclusive BF coincides with an early introduction of CF and of ultra-processed foods, including infant formulas and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) (4). In Mexico, 35% of infants between 6 and 11.9 months consume SSB and ∼20% consume desserts and unhealthy snacks (5). In recent years, the availability and consumption of energy-dense foods and SSB has risen among children in low-and middle-income countries.…”

Limited consumption of 100% fruit juices and sugar sweetened beverages in Japanese toddler and preschool children

“…We also compared daily sugar intake from SSBs (in grams/day) with Mexican children, 4–13 years (n = 3985) ( Afeiche et al, 2018a ). Comparable studies from Mexico were included such as the Mexico National Survey of Health and Nutrition (ENSANUT, 2012) (n = 3980 for preschool and n = 949 for toddlers) ( Afeiche et al, 2018a , Afeiche et al, 2018b ) and a longitudinal study of primary care-based practices entitled the TARGet Kids! from a network of the Greater Toronto Area, Canada (n = 999) ( Ziesmann et al, 2019 ).…”