Maternal Preferences for Consistency of Complementary Foods in Guatemala

Abstract

Increasing the nutrient density of complementary food mixtures is a common strategy for improving child nutrition in developing countries. Such modification, however, typically increases the viscosity of the mixtures, which may not appeal to caretakers or children. To assess maternal preference for complementary food consistency, 46 rural Guatemalan mothers, each of whom had a child between 6 and 14 months of age, were interviewed by trained data collectors and participated in focus group discussions. Strong opinions regarding consistencies of complementary foods were identified, which varied according to the child's age and health status. Mothers preferred thinner complementary foods for children less than one year old and thicker foods for children more than one year old. When the child had a cough or fever, most mothers preferred thin, liquid complementary foods. When the child had diarrhoea, about half of the mothers believed thinner complementary foods would replace the water the child lost with diarrhoea, whereas other mothers believed that thicker complementary foods would harden the stool or stop diarrhoea. This information will help guide efforts to develop improved complementary foods, particularly those for use during illness in underprivileged populations of developing countries.

Nutritive value and sensory acceptability of corn- and kocho- based foods supplemented with legumes for infant feeding in Southern Ethiopia

“…It was noted that dietary quality rather than quantity was a key aspect of complementary food development that needed improvement [28]. Focus group discussions were used to evaluate maternal preferences for consistency of complementary foods in Guatemala and found distinct preferences related to age and illness [29]. Involving mothers in nutrition education activities is recommended for improved nutritional status of young children, and the mothers in our study were enthusiastic about preparing the supplemented complementary foods [30].…”

Sensory Acceptability of Sorghum Peanut Blend (SPB) and Corn Soy Blend Plus (CSB+) By Young Children With Moderate Acute Malnutrition in Karamoja, Uganda

“…Food consistency score (> 4) of porridges prepared from CSB+ and SPB were appropriate for supplementary foods for infants and children (Brown, Dewey, & Allen, 1998). Consistency of supplementary foods has been demonstrated to have a direct correlation with preference among children (Parker et al, 1998). A thick porridge would require more effort to swallow limiting its intake by young children (King & Ashworth, 1987).…”

Acceptability of Amaranth Grain-based Nutritious Complementary Foods with Dagaa Fish (Rastrineobola argentea) and Edible Termites (Macrotermes subhylanus) Compared to Corn Soy Blend Plus among Young Children/Mothers Dyads in Western Kenya

“…It has been noted that dietary quality rather than quantity is a key aspect of complementary food development that needed improvement (Lutter & Rivera, 2003). Infant age has been found to affect food preferences for consistency of complementary foods (Parker et al, 1998), with infants not showing dislike for some foods that mothers reportedly disliked. However, it is necessary to ensure that there is maternal preference of complementary food if a food is to be widely accepted (Muroki et al, 1997).…”