Hidden hunger - a narrative review

Abstract Objective Malnutrition is characterized by situations of undernutrition and obesity resulting from the lack of micronutrients with the greatest impact on children. The objective of this review was to highlight inadequate food consumption, food security, and nutritional inadequacy leading to hidden hunger and the prevention and treatment of the main micronutrient deficiencies in Brazil. Data source Literature review carried out through a bibliographic survey in PubMed (National Library of Medicine, United States), Lilacs (Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences), and SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online) databases. The search used the terms Occult hunger, (hidden hunger), and Child, in articles published between 2013 and 2023 in Portuguese, English and Spanish. The search was performed on 06/25/2023. Data synthesis The lack of micronutrients can occur insidiously and without clinical manifestations, being called hidden hunger. The prevention of nutritional deficiencies is part of the recommended actions in childcare, with healthy eating. Studies were cited related to macro and micronutrient intake deficiencies, both national and international, and strategies to improve micronutrient intake, including routine supplementation of iron, and vitamins D and A. The diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of the main deficiencies in Brazil (iron, vitamin A, vitamin D, zinc), currently adopted, concluded the topic. Conclusion Zero hunger and zero obesity must be part of the same policy, together with a nutritional education program.

Hidden hunger - a narrative review.

OBJECTIVE: Malnutrition is characterized by situations of undernutrition and obesity resulting from the lack of micronutrients with the greatest impact on children. The objective of this review was to highlight inadequate food consumption, food security, and nutritional inadequacy leading to hidden hunger and the prevention and treatment of the main micronutrient deficiencies in Brazil. DATA SOURCE: Literature review carried out through a bibliographic survey in PubMed (National Library of Medicine, United States), Lilacs (Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences), and SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online) databases. The search used the terms Occult hunger, (hidden hunger), and Child, in articles published between 2013 and 2023 in Portuguese, English and Spanish. The search was performed on 06/25/2023. DATA SYNTHESIS: The lack of micronutrients can occur insidiously and without clinical manifestations, being called hidden hunger. The prevention of nutritional deficiencies is part of the recommended actions in childcare, with healthy eating. Studies were cited related to macro and micronutrient intake deficiencies, both national and international, and strategies to improve micronutrient intake, including routine supplementation of iron, and vitamins D and A. The diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of the main deficiencies in Brazil (iron, vitamin A, vitamin D, zinc), currently adopted, concluded the topic. CONCLUSION: Zero hunger and zero obesity must be part of the same policy, together with a nutritional education program.

Anemia and nutritional aspects in adolescent athletes: a cross-sectional study in a reference sport organization.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between anemia and nutritional aspects in adolescent athletes from a large sport club. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study, involving 298 athletes aged between 10 and 17 years, submitted to measurement of skin folds, weight and height, and collection of capillary blood in duplicate to determine hemoglobin values. It was carried out in a random sample composed of athletes from eight sport modalities. RESULTS: Regarding nutritional status, 10.1% of athletes were overweight based on body mass index and 70 (23.5%) athletes had a percentage of body fat classified as high or very high. The prevalence of anemia was 16.4%, being more prevalent in judo (37.1%), basketball (34%) and futsal (20.5%) athletes. Low hemoglobin levels were significantly associated with shorter stature (p=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant association between anemia and short stature, suggesting that the athlete's height-weight development may be affected in suboptimal conditions of oxygen distribution.

Prevalence of childhood anaemia in Brazil: still a serious health problem: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of anaemia in Brazilian children up to 83·9 months old. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis, using databases PubMed, Scopus, SciELO, Lilacs, Google Scholar, Periódicos Capes, Arca, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, Microsoft Academic Search and Cochrane Library using search terms: anaemia, prevalence, child and Brazil. PROSPERO Registration number: CRD42020208818. SETTING: Cross-sectional, cohort, case-control and intervention studies published between 2007 and 2020 were searched, excluding those who assessed children with an illness or chronic condition. The main outcome was anaemia prevalence. Random effects models based on the inverse variance method were used to estimate pooled prevalence measures. Sensitivity analyses removed studies with high contribution to overall heterogeneity. PARTICIPANTS: From 6790 first screened, 134 eligible studies were included, totalling 46 978 children aged zero to 83·9 months analysed, with adequate regions representativeness. RESULTS: Pooled prevalence of anaemia was 33 % (95 % CI 30, 35). Sensitivity analyses showed that withdrawal of studies that contributed to high heterogeneity did not influence national average prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood anaemia is still a serious public health problem in Brazil, exposing 33 % of Brazilian children to the anaemia repercussions. The main limitation of the study is the estimation of national prevalence based on local surveys, but a large number of studies were included, with representation in all regions of the country, giving strength to the results. In Brazil, more public policies are needed to promote supplementation, fortification and access to healthy eating to reduce the high level of anaemia among children.

Prevalência de anemia e determinantes da concentração de hemoglobina em gestantes / Prevalence of anemia and determinants of hemoglobin concentration in pregnant women

Resumo Introdução A anemia é caracterizada pela reduzida concentração de hemoglobina e, durante a gestação, está associada à maior morbimortalidade fetal e materna. Objetivo Avaliar a prevalência de anemia e os fatores determinantes da concentração de hemoglobina em gestantes. Método Estudo transversal com uma amostra de 328 gestantes atendidas nas unidades de saúde urbanas de Vitória da Conquista, na Bahia. Foram realizadas a aplicação de questionário, a avaliação antropométrica e a coleta de sangue por punção capilar para dosagem de hemoglobina em β-hemoglobinômetro portátil. Foram consideradas anêmicas as gestantes com hemoglobina < 11 g/dL. Os determinantes da concentração de hemoglobina sérica foram identificados por meio da regressão linear múltipla. Resultados A prevalência de anemia foi de 18,9%, e a média de hemoglobina, de 11,9 g/dL (desvio-padrão: 1,2). Foram observadas menores médias de concentração de hemoglobina entre as gestantes que iniciaram o pré-natal no segundo trimestre (β: -0,28; IC95%: -0,54 a -0,02) e que não usavam suplemento de ferro (β: -0,51; IC95%: -0,79 a -0,23), enquanto a maior média foi verificada entre as mulheres primigestas (β: 0,34; IC95%: 0,06 a 0,62). Conclusão A anemia nas gestantes avaliadas é um leve problema de saúde pública, e as concentrações de hemoglobina foram associadas aos fatores obstétricos e à assistência pré-natal.

Abstract Background Anemia is characterized by reduced hemoglobin concentration and, during pregnancy is associated with increased fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality. Objective To evaluate the prevalence of anemia and the determinants factors of hemoglobin concentration in pregnant women. Methods Cross-sectional study with a sample of 328 pregnant women patients of the urban Health Units of Vitória da Conquista, Bahia. We applied a questionnaire, anthropometric evaluation, and collected blood by capillary puncture for dosage of haemoglobin using a portable β-hemoglobinometer. Were considered anemic those pregnant women with hemoglobin <11 g/dL. The determinants of serum hemoglobin concentration were identified through multiple linear regression. Results We observed anemia in 18.9% of the participants, and the mean hemoglobin concentration was 11.9 g/dL (standard deviation: 1.2). We observed lower mean of hemoglobin concentration among pregnant women who started prenatal care in the second trimester (β: -0.28; 95% CI: -0.54 to -0.02) and who did not used iron supplementation (β: -0.51, 95% CI: -0.79 to -0.23), while a higher mean was observed among primigavidae women (β: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.62). Conclusion Anemia in the population evaluated is a mild public health problem, and hemoglobin concentrations were associated to obstetric factors and prenatal care.

Prevalence and factors associated to vitamin A deficiency in children attending public day care centers in the Southwest of Bahia / Prevalência e fatores associados com deficiência de vitamina A em crianças atendidas em creches públicas do Sudoeste da Bahia

Abstract Objectives: to determine the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency and factors associated to children attending public day care centers in the Southwest of Bahia. Methods: a cross-sectional study involving 303 children aged 24 to 60 months attending public day care centers in the city of Vitória da Conquista, BA. A questionnaire was applied for the parents or legal guardians to answer and the children's height and weight were measured. Blood samples were collected to analyze serum retinol taking in consideration the values below 0.70 imol/L as inadequate. The vaccination card was verified in relation to the adequacy of vitamin A supplementation. Food weighting was done to evaluate the consuming of lipids and vitamin A. The association between the variables and vitamin A deficiency was verified by logistic regression. Results: the prevalence of inadequate serum retinol levels was 13.1% (1.99 ± 1.17 imol/L); 4.3% were low height and 1.2% of thinness. Most children (91.7%) had their vitamin A doses outdated on their vaccination cards. The variables associated to vitamin A deficiency were children aged less or equal to 34 months (OR: 2.66, 95% CI: 1.23 - 5.74) and maternal age was less than 26 years (OR: 2.39; 95% CI: 1.11 - 5.17). Conclusions: vitamin A deficiency configures as a moderate public health problem in children attending public day care centers in the Southwest of Bahia.

Resumo Objetivos: determinar a prevalência de deficiência de vitamina A e os fatores associados em crianças assistidas em creches do Sudoeste da Bahia. Métodos: estudo transversal envolvendo 303 crianças de 24 a 60 meses assistidas em creches públicas de Vitória da Conquista - BA. Aplicado questionário com pais ou responsáveis e aferidas medidas de peso e estatura das crianças. Amostras de sangue coletadas para análise do retinol sérico, considerando níveis inadequados inferiores a 0,70 imol/L. O cartão de vacina foi verificado em relação à adequação da suplementação de vitamina A. Realizou-se pesagem direta dos alimentos para avaliação do consumo de lipídio e vitamina A. Associação entre as variáveis estudadas e a deficiência de vitamina A foi verificada por meio de regressão logística. Resultados: prevalência de níveis inadequados de retinol de 13,1% (1,99 ± 1,17 fimol/L); 4,3% baixa estatura e 1,2% magreza. A maioria das crianças (91,7%) estava com as doses de suplementação de vitamina A desatualizadas. As variáveis associadas com deficiência de vitamina A foram a idade da criança inferior ou igual a 34 meses (OR: 2,66; IC95%: 1,23 - 5,74) e idade materna inferior a 26 anos (OR: 2,39; IC95%: 1,11 - 5,17). Conclusões: a deficiência de vitamina A configura-se como um moderado problema da saúde pública em crianças assistidas em creches públicas do sudoeste baiano.

[Problems of adherence to the program of prevention of iron deficiency anemia and supplementation with iron salts in the city of Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil]. / A problemática da adesão na prevenção da anemia ferropriva e suplementação com sais de ferro no município de Viçosa (MG).

The scope of this article is to analyze the understanding of mothers and persons responsible for infants taking ferrous sulfate supplement about anemia and its consequences, assessed by the level of adherence to supplementation. A prospective, qualitative and quantitative population study was conducted with non-anemic children not taking supplements to receive prophylactic supplementation with ferrous sulfate for six months. After six months, there was adherence to supplementation. Among the 133 children initially eligible for the study, 97 returned for the second evaluation. Of these, 4 had anemia during the follow-up and began treatment and 3 others were brought in by individuals who were unable to provide information on use of the supplement. High adherence was showed by 56.7% of children and low adherence by 43.3%, while 23.3% had interrupted supplementation due to the lack of guidance and support of the health service. Mothers and persons responsible of the two groups (high and low adherence) manifested little knowledge about anemia, its prevention and health consequences for the child. More information regarding iron deficiency anemia, routine follow-up by professionals and evaluation of the perception of individuals involved with iron supplementation is necessary.

A problemática da adesão na prevenção da anemia ferropriva e suplementação com sais de ferro no município de Viçosa (MG) / Problems of adherence to the program of prevention of iron deficiency anemia and supplementation with iron salts in the city of Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Foi analisada a apreensão das mães/responsáveis por lactentes suplementados com sulfato ferroso, sobre a anemia e suas consequências, por grau de adesão à suplementação. Pesquisa populacional, prospectiva e quanti-qualitativa. Selecionou-se crianças não anêmicas e que não estivessem recebendo suplementação. As mães/responsáveis foram orientadas a administrarem a suplementação profilática de ferro por seis meses e a adesão foi avaliada após o período. Dentre as 133 crianças elegíveis inicialmente para a pesquisa, foi possível reavaliar 90 pares crianças/responsáveis e realizaram-se entrevistas semiestruturadas com os responsáveis. Das crianças avaliadas, 56,7% apresentaram alta adesão e 43,3% baixa, sendo que 23,3% destas tinham interrompido a suplementação, sendo os motivos mais frequentes a ausência de orientação e apoio do serviço de saúde. Dentre as mães/responsáveis, um baixo percentual reconheceu o sulfato ferroso como forma de prevenção da anemia, e ambos os grupos demonstraram pouco conhecimento acerca da anemia, suas formas de prevenção e consequências à saúde da criança. Há necessidade de mais informação através de atividades de promoção e educação em saúde incluindo estratégias participativas, acompanhamento dos profissionais de saúde e avaliação da percepção dos indivíduos envolvidos na suplementação.

The scope of this article is to analyze the understanding of mothers and persons responsible for infants taking ferrous sulfate supplement about anemia and its consequences, assessed by the level of adherence to supplementation. A prospective, qualitative and quantitative population study was conducted with non-anemic children not taking supplements to receive prophylactic supplementation with ferrous sulfate for six months. After six months, there was adherence to supplementation. Among the 133 children initially eligible for the study, 97 returned for the second evaluation. Of these, 4 had anemia during the follow-up and began treatment and 3 others were brought in by individuals who were unable to provide information on use of the supplement. High adherence was showed by 56.7% of children and low adherence by 43.3%, while 23.3% had interrupted supplementation due to the lack of guidance and support of the health service. Mothers and persons responsible of the two groups (high and low adherence) manifested little knowledge about anemia, its prevention and health consequences for the child. More information regarding iron deficiency anemia, routine follow-up by professionals and evaluation of the perception of individuals involved with iron supplementation is necessary.

Effectiveness of fortification of drinking water with iron and vitamin C in the reduction of anemia and improvement of nutritional status in children attending day-care centers in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Because of the high prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia in Brazil, individual control measures tend to be ineffective, and fortification of foods with iron is considered the most effective method to fight anemia. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of fortification of drinking water with iron and vitamin C in the reduction of anemia in children in day-care centers in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. METHODS: This before-and-after study evaluated 318 children aged 6 to 74 months. Identification data and data on socioeconomic variables were collected; anthropometric and biochemical measurements were performed before and after 5 months of fortification of water with 5 mg of elemental iron and 50 mg of ascorbic acid per liter. The fortified water was used for drinking and cooking at the day-care center. Wilcoxon's nonparametric test was used to evaluate the differences in continuous variables, and McNemar's test was used to compare the prevalence rates of anemia. RESULTS: The prevalence of anemia decreased significantly from 29.3% before fortification to 7.9% at the end of the study, with a significant increase in hemoglobin levels. Reductions in the prevalence rates of stunting and underweight were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Fortification of water with iron and vitamin C significantly reduced the prevalence of anemia and improved nutritional status among children attending day-care centers.

Efetividade superior do esquema diário de suplementação de ferro em lactentes / Greater effectiveness of daily iron supplementation scheme in infants

Objetivo: Avaliar a efetividade de esquemas, diário e semanal, de suplementação profilática de ferro medicamentoso na prevenção da anemia ferropriva em lactentes não anêmicos. Métodos: Estudo populacional, prospectivo, de abordagem quantitativa com intervenção profilática, realizado no município de Viçosa, MG, em 2007/8. Foram selecionadas 103 crianças não anêmicas, entre seis e 18 meses de idade, correspondendo a 20,2 por cento das crianças cadastradas e atendidas pelas Equipes de Saúde da Família. As crianças foram divididas em dois grupos de suplementação: dosagem diária recomendada pela Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria (grupo 1, n=34) e dosagem semanal preconizada pelo Ministério da Saúde (grupo 2, n=69). As avaliações ocorreram no início do estudo e após seis meses, sendo realizadas dosagem de hemoglobina (ß-hemoglobinômetro portátil), avaliação antropométrica e dietética, e aplicação de questionário socioeconômico. Os indicadores de impacto utilizados foram a prevalência de anemia, variação de hemoglobina, adesão e efeitos adversos aos suplementos. Resultados: Os grupos se mostraram homogêneos quanto às variáveis socioeconômicas, biológicas e de saúde anteriores à intervenção. Após seis meses de suplementação, observaram-se maiores médias de hemoglobina no grupo 1 em relação ao grupo 2, (11,66; DP=1,25 e 10,95; DP=1,41, respectivamente, p=0,015); além de menores prevalências de anemia (20,6 por cento e 43,5 por cento, respectivamente, p=0,04). Apenas o tempo de suplementação influenciou na anemia grave (p=0,009). Não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significantes para as variáveis adesão ao suplemento e efeitos adversos. Conclusões: A dosagem diária recomendada pela Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria mostrou-se mais efetiva na prevenção da anemia em lactentes, quando comparada à dosagem utilizada pelo Ministério da Saúde. A dosagem semanal recomendada pelo programa do governo brasileiro precisa ser reavaliada para aumentar...

Greater effectiveness of daily iron supplementation scheme in infants.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of weekly and daily schemes of preventive supplementation with supplementary iron to prevent iron deficiency anemia in non-anemic infants. METHODS: A prospective population study with a quantitative approach and preventive intervention was performed in the city of Viçosa, Southeastern Brazil, in 2007-8. A total of 103 non-anemic children, aged between six and 18 months of age, were selected, corresponding to 20.2% of the children registered with and cared for by Equipes de Saúde da Família (Family Health Teams). Children were divided into two supplementation groups: daily dosage recommended by the Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria (Brazilian Society of Pediatrics) (group 1, n=34) and weekly dosage recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Health (group 2, n=69). Assessments were made in the beginning of the study and after six months, with hemoglobin dosage (portable ss-Hemoglobin-meter) and anthropometric and dietary assessments being performed and socioeconomic questionnaire applied. Impact indicators used were prevalence of anemia, hemoglobin variation, adherence to and side effects of supplements. RESULTS: Groups were homogeneous in terms of socioeconomic, biological and before-intervention health variables. After six months of supplementation, higher means of hemoglobin were found in group 1 than in group 2 (11.66; SD=1.25 and 10.95; SD=1.41, respectively, p=0.015); in addition to lower prevalences of anemia (20.6% and 43.5%, respectively, p=0.04). Only 'supplementation time' influenced severe anemia (p=0.009). Statistically significant differences were not found for the 'adherence to supplementation' and 'side effects' variables. CONCLUSIONS: The daily dosage recommended by the Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria was found to be more effective to prevent anemia in infants, when compared to the dosage used by the Ministry of Health. The weekly dosage recommended by the Brazilian government program needs to be reviewed to increase the effectiveness of prevention of anemia in infants cared for in public health services.

Iron fortification strategies for the control of childhood anemia in Brazil.

This article presents data on the fortification of foods, necessary as an important public health approach for the success in reducing anemia. The use of food vehicles, iron salts and their costs, as well as recent work on iron fortification of foods in Brazil are reviewed. Recent research serves as a cornerstone for countries that attempt to implement permanent, long-lasting iron fortification programs aimed at the prevention of anemia considering cultural habits, type of iron salts and at-risk groups.

Eficácia do exame clínico para o diagnóstico de anemia na criança pela palidez palmar e dosagem de hemoglobina / Efficacy of the clinical examination for the diagnostic of anemia in children by palmar pallor and hemoglobin samples

Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia e a concordância do diagnóstico clínico de anemia pelo exame da palidez palmar comparado com valores de hemoglobina capilar. Método: Estudo de corte transversal em crianças matriculadas nas creches públicas de Natividade (RJ), no quarto bimestre de 2006. O exame clínico foi efetuado por dois examinadores treinados nas normas AIDPI (Atenção Integrada às Doenças Prevalentes na Infância). A dosagem da hemoglobina foi realizada por um fotômetro e especificidade foram baixos entre os dois examinadores e a concordância pelo coeficiente Kappa variou de 0,12 a 20. A concordância entre os dois métodos foi pior entre as crianças menores de dois anos de idade e com anemia moderada-grave. Conclusão: Os resultados baixos da sensibilidade e especificidade, assim como da concordância entre os examinadores no diagnóstico clínico de anemia, ressaltam a importância de uma reavaliação deste método no atual contexto dessa carência nutricional no país...

Objective: To evaluate the validity and agreement of the diagnosis of anemia through Palmar Pallor clinical examination carried out by two examiners trained within the norms of the IMCI (Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses), with the diagnostic of anemia through the sample of hemoglobin taken from children in public day-care centers. Methods: A study of transversal cut was carried out, in children enrolled in public day-care centers in Natividade (Rio de Janeiro), in the fourth bimester of 2006. The clinical exam of Palmar Pallor performed by two examiners trained within the norms of IMIC and a sample of hemoglobin through a portable photometer (HemoCue®) and used the criteria of the OMS for its classification and gravity. The values were calculated for sensitivity and specification in the clinical examination and the value of Kappa coefficient for the agreement between the two examiners. Results: Three hundred and sixteen (316) children were evaluated, the mean age was 45.3 months (6 to 108 months), 52% were male children and 47.3% were female. The prevalence of anemia from the hemoglobin sample was 43.7% greater in the children younger than 12 months (85.6%) and among 12 to 24 months (66%). Anemia for the clinical method varied of 42.3% to 66.5%. The values of sensitivity and specificity were low among the two examiners and the agreement through Kappa coefficient varied from 0.12 to 20. The agreement between the two methods was worse among the children younger than 2 years of age and with moderate to acute anemia. Conclusion: The low results of sensitivity and specificity, as well as the agreement between the two examiners in the clinical diagnostic of anemia, allows us to pronounce the importance of a re-evaluation of this method in the current context of a lack in the nutritional quality in this country...

Iniciativa Hospital Amigo da Criança, mais de uma década no Brasil: repensando o futuro / More than one decade of the Baby-Friendly Health Care Initiative in Brazil: thinking about the future

OBJETIVO: Rever a trajetória da Iniciativa Hospital Amigo da Criança (IHAC) no Brasil, sob a orientação de 2004, com a inclusão de novos critérios para credenciamento pelo Ministério da Saúde. FONTES DE DADOS: Informações obtidas por meio de consulta a relatórios do Ministério da Saúde, Fundo das Nações Unidas para a Infância e artigos publicados sobre IHAC nas bases de dados do Medline, SciELO e Lilacs. SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: Até maio de 2008, foram credenciados 337 hospitais: 153 no Nordeste, 72 no Sudeste, 54 no Sul, 37 no Centro-oeste e 21 no Norte. Perderam o credenciamento dez hospitais. A partir de dezembro de 2004, o Ministério da Saúde considerou que, para um estabelecimento de saúde receber o título de IHAC, é necessário o cumprimento dos critérios globais estabelecidos, como os "Dez passos para o sucesso do aleitamento materno" e também de dez novos requisitos. A portaria 756/16 inclui: garantia de registros civis a pelo menos 70 por cento dos recém-nascidos, comprovação do cumprimento da Norma Brasileira de Comercialização de Alimentos para Lactentes e limite de taxas de cesarianas. Nos últimos anos, avaliação e análise dos dados mostram menor número de habilitações de IHAC. CONCLUSÕES: A IHAC é uma experiência de sucesso e contribuiu positivamente para o aumento das taxas de amamentação, junto com outras medidas. Entretanto, deve-se refletir sobre os novos critérios que podem dificultar o processo de obtenção e manutenção do título IHAC no país.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the Baby-Friendly Health Care Initiative in Brazil under 2004 directions, with the inclusion of new criteria for credentials by the Ministry of Health. DATA SOURCES: Information obtained through consultation of reports of the Ministry of Health, The United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) and articles related to Baby-Friendly Health Care Initiative were retrieved at Medline, SciELO and Lilacs. DATA SYNTHESIS: Until May 2008, credentials were given to 337 hospitals: 153 in the Northeast, 72 in the Southeast, 54 in the South, 37 in the Midwest and 21 in the North. Ten hospitals lost the credentials. From December 2004 on, the Ministry of Health considered that to be entitled as a Baby-Friendly Hospital, the maternity needed to fulfill "Ten steps for the success of breastfeeding" and ten new requirements. The federal decision number 756/16 included: guarantee of civil registers to at least 70 percent of the newly-born infants, adhesion to the Brazilian Norm of Food Commercialization for Suckles and limitation of C-sections. Analysis of the data shows that the number of certifications was reduced during the last years. CONCLUSIONS: Baby-Friendly Health Care Initiative is a successful experience and it has contributed positively for the increase of breastfeeding along with other adopted measures. The new criteria must be reevaluated, since it made the process of certification more difficult in the country.

Recent experience with fortification of foods and beverages with iron for the control of iron-deficiency anemia in Brazilian children.

Iron-deficiency-anemia affects 30% of the world population. Women of reproductive age and children are the most affected. Iron supplementation in the form of tablets and syrups has not been successful in developing countries, and iron deficiency is still the most important deficiency related to malnutrition. Iron-deficiency anemia affects physical and cognitive development at an early age in children, often resulting in irreversible outcomes. Studies from the last two decades have shown that the prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia can be reduced given adequate investments and political will directed at iron fortification of foods and liquids. A successful low-cost iron-fortification program incorporates implementation and strategic use of communication for program inception where education is in the forefront. A review of the available reports from experience in Brazil with iron fortification of foods and liquids is presented.