National Recommendations for Infant and Young Child Feeding in the World Health Organization European Region.
J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr
; 71(5): 672-678, 2020 11.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-33093377
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES:
Complementary feeding should provide a healthy diet with critical nutrients for growth and development. Information is limited on child and infant feeding recommendations within the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region.METHODS:
The WHO Regional Office for Europe and the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) performed a survey of national recommendations on infant and young child nutrition aimed at national government departments of health and national paediatric experts. Questions addressed national recommendations on breast-feeding and complementary feeding.RESULTS:
Information was available from 48 of the 53 Member States. Forty-five of 48 countries (94%) have national recommendations on infant and young child feeding, of which 41 are endorsed by official public health authorities. Regarding introduction of complementary feeding, 25 countries (out of 34, 74%) recommend 6 months of age as the ideal age. The earliest age of introduction recommended varies from 4 to 5 months in (31/38 countries, 82%) to 6 months (6/38, 16%) and 7 months (1/38, 2.6%). The recommended meal composition varies widely; introduction of iron-rich foods (meat, fish, eggs) at the age of 6 months is recommended in 30 out of 43 countries, whereas 13 (30%) recommend later introduction.CONCLUSIONS:
National infant feeding recommendations vary widely between studied countries and partly differ from international recommendations. Too early introduction of complementary feeding can reduce duration of exclusive breast-feeding (EBF). Too late introduction of iron-rich complementary foods might increase anemia risk and adversely affect child development. A review and further harmonization of national recommendations appears desirable.
Texto completo:
1
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Lactancia Materna
/
Fenómenos Fisiológicos Nutricionales del Lactante
Límite:
Animals
/
Child
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Infant
País/Región como asunto:
Europa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr
Año:
2020
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Alemania