Weaning-food viscosity and energy density: their effects on ad libitum consumption and energy intakes in Jamaican children

The effects of weaning-food viscosity and energy density on consumption and energy intake were determined in 15 non-breast-fed Jamaican children aged 7-15 mo under standardized conditions. We tested whether feeding thick, energy intakes and whether amylase treatment to reduce viscosity offered any advantage. When a traditional liquid, low-density porridge (2.15 kJ/g) was fed, the mean (ñSD) daily consumption was 139 ñ 25 g/kg and the mean daily energy intake was 296 ñ 54 kJ/kg. When a semisolid high-density porridge (4.09 kJ/g) was fed, consumption was significantly lower (98 ñ 21g/kg) but the daily energy intake was significantly higher - 402 ñ 85 kJ/KG (P < 0.001). Amylase treatment of the thick energy-dense porridge did not increase intakes further. Meal duration for the thick porridge (12.9 ñ 4.0 min) was significantly longer than that for the low-density (7.4 ñ 2.6 min) or amylase-treated (6.4 ñ 1.8 min) porridges (AU)

The controversy of thin and thick porridges: does viscosity influence intake? - abstract

There is controversy concerning the best weaning foods for infants in developing countries with some promoting thick porridges while others claim viscosity reduction of thick porridges is necessary. We assessed the effects of viscosity and energy density on energy intake in fifteen children aged 7-15 months recovered from malnutrition. Three porridges were developed: thin-low energy (51 kcal/100gm viscosity 280-480 cP): thick-high energy (kcal/100gm viscosity 3000-4000 cP); and amylase-treated - high energy (97 kcal/100 gm viscosity 280-480 cP). Using a cross-over design, each porridge was fed ad lib four times daily for four days by specially trained feeders. The mean daily intake in grams of the thin porridge was significantly higher than that of the amylase-treated or thick porridges. However, the mean energy intake of the thin porridge was significantly lower than that of the amylase-treated or thick porridges. The mean daily energy intakes of the amylase-treated and thick porridges were similar and matched WHO/FAO recommended requirements. Meal duration was significantly longer for the thick porridge, which was fed by cup and spoon, than for the amylase-treated or the thin porridges. Feeding a thick porridge with an energy density of 100 kcal/100 gm four times daily therefore satisfied the recommended daily energy requirements for infants and young children. The only adventure of reducing the viscosity of the thick porridge was the shorter time spent feeding (AU)

Is viscosity reduction of energy-dense weaning foods necessary in developing countries?

In developing countries, weaning foods are often of low energy density. We examined ad lib, intakes of 3 porridges: thin, low energy density; semi-solid, high energy density; and amylases-treated low viscosity, high energy density. The study was conducted under controlled conditions on a metabolic ward. 15 children aged 7-15 months, recovered from malnutrition, received each porridge in a randomised sequence for 4 consecutive days 4 times daily. The quantity of thin porridge consumed was significantly greater than that of the semi-solid or amylase-treated porridges (p < 0.001), but the energy intake was significantly lower (p < 0.001). The energy intakes of both high energy density porridges were similar and matched recommended intakes. Therefore viscosity reduction of a semi-solid porridge offered no advantage in energy intake (AU)