Bilateral asymmetry in arm anthropometric measurements according to laterality and nutritional status in children and adolescents from 6 to 12 years old.

OBJECTIVE: To compare and correlate anthropometric measurements of the left arm versus the right arm and to establish their relation to laterality, sex, and nutritional status in children and adolescents from 6 to 12 years of age. METHODS: A cross-sectional study included 605 children and adolescents (285 males; 320 females), with a middle socioeconomic status, that attended an urban elementary school. Anthropometric measurements were taken in both arms, along with height and weight, to assess nutritional status. Self-reported hand preference was recorded. RESULTS: A total of 49.3% were females and 93% of the subjects were right-handed (n = 563). The mean comparison of right arm and left arm measurements and areas, according to laterality, showed differences in arm fat measurements, with higher values in the right arm. However, the mean difference in triceps skinfold and upper arm measurements between the right arm and left arm was smaller than the technical error of measurement. Significant differences were observed between arm measurements and areas. Upper arm and total upper arm areas of both arms had the highest regression coefficients, with an adjusted R2 of .98, whereas the arm fat index had the lowest (adjusted R2 of .88). Adjusting the previous differences between the right arm and left arm by age, sex, BMI, and laterality produced similar results. CONCLUSIONS: Statistical but not clinically significant differences were found between some measurements and areas of both arms, discretely modified in models adjusted for age and BMI, so the measurements can be made on either arm.

Neck circumference as an indicator of elevated central adiposity in children.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to study the correlation between neck circumference (NC) and anthropometric adiposity indicators, and to determine cut-off points of NC for both sexes to identify elevated central adiposity in schoolchildren in western Mexico. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Rural settings in western México.ParticipantsChildren from a convenience sample of six schools in Acatlán, Jalisco, Mexico (n 1802). RESULTS: NC showed a strong positive correlation with all anthropometric adiposity indicators in both sexes, which were notably higher in boys regardless of age. Noteworthy, waist circumference displayed the highest significant correlation when analysed by both age and sex. As age increased, NC cut-off points to identify elevated central adiposity ranged from 25·7 to 30·1 cm for girls and from 27·5 to 31·7 cm for boys. CONCLUSIONS: NC could be used as a simple, inexpensive and non-invasive indicator for central obesity assessment in Mexican schoolchildren.

Participatory intervention to improve nutrition and physical activity of school-age children in Mexico.

Obesity is one of the major public health problems of the 21st century, affecting every country in the world. In Mexico, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children (5 to 11 years) was 35.5%. Childhood obesity is a chronic disease itself; and is associated with other chronic conditions. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect and feasibility of a participatory intervention to improve nutrition and physical activity within the school environment in children in public elementary schools in Mexico. METHODS: The present study is a cluster trial. The intervention focused on; changes in food offered, training the schools' food service staff, promoting water consumption and physical activity at the community level, implementing healthy spaces inside the school, improving the quality of physical education within schools, among others. The main outcomes will focus on rate of weight gain, time devoted to physical activity, sedentary behaviors, diet quality and response feeding behaviors. We also will assess the time and personnel involved in the intervention development, maintenance, and dissemination. CONCLUSION: Findings from this trial will generate new translational knowledge in Mexico; if the results are positive, this participatory intervention could serve as a basis for designing multidimensional interventions that could be scaled up at the national level.

Percentile Reference Values for the Neck Circumference of Mexican Children.

Neck circumference was studied for the first time in a pediatric population in 2010. Since then, various countries have proposed cutoff values to identify overweight, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. However, no reference values have been established for the Mexican child population. The aim of this study is to provide percentile reference values for the neck circumference of Mexican schoolchildren. Only normal-weight schoolchildren aged 6-11 years were included. Percentiles and growth charts were constructed based on the "Generalized Additive Model for Location, Scale and Shape" (GAMLSS). A total of 1059 schoolchildren (52.9% female) was evaluated. Weight, height, and BMI values were higher for males; however, this difference was not statistically significant. The 50th percentile for females was 24.6 cm at six years old and 28.25 cm at 11 years old, and for males, it was 25.75 cm and 28.76 cm, respectively. Both males and females displayed a pronounced increase in neck circumference between 10 and 11 years of age. The greatest variability was found in the 11-year-old group, with an increase of 5.5 cm for males and 5.4 cm for females. This study presents the first reference values for neck circumference for a Mexican child population.

Interleukine 6 and C-reactive protein predict growth impairment and acute malnutrition in children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease.

INTRODUCTION: Objective: secondary malnutrition and systemic inflammation may impair growth and body composition in children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This association has been scantily studied, particularly in pre-dialytic stages. Our aim was to correlate growth and nutritional status indicators with the serum concentration of interleukine 6 (IL-6) and ultrasensitive C-reactive protein (CRP) in children with CKD. Methods: this was a prospective cross-sectional study in 29 children and adolescents aged 3-16 years with CKD, stages 3 or 4, in two third-level general hospitals. The outcome variables were height for age, body mass index, arm anthropometric indicators, plus lean mass/fat percentage by bioelectrical impedance. The independent variables were IL-6 and CRP. This study was reviewed and approved by the Health Research and Ethics Committees of both hospitals. Results: height for age, body mass index, subscapular skinfold, arm fat area, and lean mass had a significant negative correlation with IL-6. The height-for-age z-score had a negative correlation with CRP. IL-6 explained 15% to 35% of the variance in height for age and nutritional status indicators. CRP predicted 22% of height for age. One fifth of the patients had acute malnutrition, and one third were stunted. Muscle was the most affected compartment. Conclusion: IL-6 and CRP in children and adolescents with CKD in the pre-dialytic stage predicted one fifth and one third of the variance in acute and chronic malnutrition indicators. The frequency of acute malnutrition and impaired growth was clinically significant. Muscular mass deficit was a central component of malnutrition.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Objetivo: correlacionar indicadores de crecimiento y del estado nutricional con la concentración sérica de interleucina 6 (IL-6) y proteína C-reactiva ultrasensible (PCR) en niños con ERC. Métodos: estudio transversal analítico de 29 niños y adolescentes de 3 a 16 años de edad con ERC, estadios 3 o 4, en dos hospitales generales de tercer nivel. Las variables dependientes fueron indicadores antropométricos de crecimiento y del estado nutricional y la composición corporal por impedancia bioeléctrica. Las variables independientes fueron IL-6 y PCR. Este estudio fue revisado y aprobado por los Comités de Ética y de Investigación de ambos hospitales. Resultados: la talla para la edad (T/E), el índice de masa corporal, el pliegue cutáneo subescapular, el área de grasa del brazo y la masa magra obtuvieron una correlación negativa con la IL-6. La T/E obtuvo una correlación negativa con la PCR. La IL-6 explicó el 15% y 35% de la varianza de la T/E y de los indicadores del estado nutricional. La CRP predijo el 22% de la T/E. Una quinta parte de los pacientes tenía desnutrición aguda y una tercera parte desmedro. El compartimento corporal más afectado fue el muscular. Conclusión: la IL-6 y la PCR en niños y adolescentes con ERC en etapa predialítica explicaron una quinta y una tercera parte de la varianza de los indicadores de desnutrición aguda y crónica, respectivamente. La frecuencia de la desnutrición aguda y el desmedro fueron clínicamente significativos. El déficit de masa muscular fue un componente central de la desnutrición.

[Decreased anthropometric indicators of adiposity in school children as an indicator of the nutritional transition in Mexico]. / Disminución en los indicadores antropométricos de adiposidad en niños escolares como indicador de la transición nutricia en México.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this paper was to estimate the adiposity trend in children from a public elementary school in Guadalajara, Mexico, between 2007 and 2011. METHODS: Comparative study of two samples taken transversely in 1432 schoolchildren aged 6-12 years. Z-score of BMI and anthropometric indicators of arm adiposity (triceps skinfold, fat area and arm fat index) were calculated. Reference standards of the 2007-WHO and Frisancho were used. Analysis: Chi-square and Student t test. RESULTS: Adiposity decreased significantly in children with normal weight (arm fat area Z-score -0.3 SD) overweight and obesity (arm fat area and index -0.4 and -0.3 z-scores respectively). An increase in the prevalence of subjects with normal weight and thinness and a decrease of overweight (4.6, -2.0 and -2.9 percentage points respectively) was observed. Obesity prevalence remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Decrease of adiposity in overweight and obese children, reduction in the prevalence of thinness and overweight and the increase in the proportion of subjects with normal weight was observed during the study period. These data probably reflect the nutritional transition in Mexico.

Introducción: el objetivo de este estudio fue estimar la tendencia de la adiposidad de alumnos de una escuela primaria pública entre 2007 y 2011. Métodos: estudio comparativo de dos muestras obtenidas transversalmente en 1432 escolares de 6 a 12 años de edad. Se calculó la puntuación z del índice de masa corporal y de indicadores antropométricos de adiposidad (pliegue cutáneo tricipital, área grasa e índice de grasa del brazo). Se utilizaron los patrones de referencia de la OMS-2007 y de Frisancho. El análisis se llevó a cabo con Chi cuadrada y t de Student. Resultados: la adiposidad disminuyó significativamente tanto en niños con peso normal (z área grasa del brazo -0.3) como en los que tenían sobrepeso y obesidad (z área grasa del brazo -0.4 y -0.3, respectivamente). Se observó un incremento en la prevalencia de niños con peso normal (4.6 puntos porcentuales), así como disminución de casos con delgadez y sobrepeso (-2.0 y -2.9 puntos porcentuales, respectivamente). La prevalencia de obesidad no se modificó. Conclusiones: se identificó disminución de la adiposidad en niños con sobrepeso y obesidad, disminución en la prevalencia de delgadez y sobrepeso, así como aumento en la proporción de sujetos con peso normal. Estas observaciones probablemente reflejan la transición nutricia en México.

[Guidelines for complementary feeding in healthy infants]. / Consenso para las prácticas de alimentación complementaria en lactantes sanos.

A proper nutrition during the first two years of life is critical to reach the full potential of every human being; now, this period is recognized as a critical window for promoting optimal growth, development, and good health. Therefore, adequate feeding at this stage of life has an impact on health, nutritional status, growth and development of children; not only in the short term, but in the medium and long term. This paper provides recommendations on complementary feeding (CF) presented as questions or statements that are important for those who take care for children during this stage of life. For example: When to start complementary feedings: 4 or 6 months of age?; Exposure to potentially allergenic foods; Introduction of sweetened beverages; Use of artificial sweeteners and light products; Food introduction sequence; Food consistency changes according to neurological maturation; Number of days to test acceptance and tolerance to new foods; Amounts for each meal; Inadequate complementary feeding practices; Myths and realities of complementary feeding; Developmental milestones; Practice of "Baby Led Weaning" and practice of vegetarianism.

[Increased height in obese schoolchildren versus healthy weight schoolchildren]. / Crecimiento acelerado en escolares obesos frente a escolares con peso saludable.

BACKGROUND: There are few articles that document the association between growth and obesity. The objective of this study was to compare height between obese schoolchildren and healthy weight schoolchildren. METHODS: Cross-sectional study performed in 369 healthy weight schoolchildren and 162 obese schoolchildren of an elementary school; 49.4 % were females. Subjects were classified by body mass index percentiles in healthy weight (5-84), and obese (> 95), and grouped by gender and one-year class intervals. It was used Mann-Whitney U test for statistical analysis. RESULTS: In all class intervals, height was higher in obese schoolgirls when we compared them with healthy weight schoolgirls; we did not identify an increasing or decreasing trend related to age. No height difference was observed in 6 and 7 years old obese/healthy weight schoolboys; however, from 8 to 11 years, height increased progressively in obese schoolchildren with a difference of 8.8 cm at the age of 10. CONCLUSIONS: The association of obesity with periods of accelerated growth suggests the existence of phenotypic variants related to metabolic and hormonal factors. Significant higher height values were identified in obese schoolchildren when they were compared with their healthy weight peers.

IBTRODUCCIÓN: la asociación entre crecimiento y obesidad ha sido poco estudiada en la población de escolares obesos mexicanos. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la talla para la edad entre escolares obesos y con peso saludable. MÉTODOS: estudio transversal realizado en 369 escolares con peso saludable y 162 obesos en una escuela primaria; 49.4 % era de sexo femenino. Se utilizó la clasificación percentilar del Índice de masa corporal: peso saludable: del percentil 5 al 84, obesidad: valor > percentil 95; se agruparon por sexo e intervalos de clase de un año. El análisis estadístico se hizo con U de Mann-Whitney. RESULTADOS: en las niñas obesas la talla fue mayor a la del grupo con peso saludable en todos los intervalos de clase sin que se identificara una tendencia de incremento o decremento en relación con la edad. En los niños no se observaron diferencias de talla en los 6 y 7 años; sin embargo, de los 8 a los 11 años la talla se incrementó en forma progresiva en los obesos, con diferencia máxima de 8.8 cm a los 10 años. CONCLUSIÓN: la asociación de obesidad con periodos de crecimiento acelerado sugiere la existencia de variantes fenotípicas relacionadas con factores metabólicos y hormonales. Se identificaron valores de talla que fueron significativamente mayores en los niños con obesidad al ser comparados con sus pares con peso saludable.

[Model for predicting childhood obesity from diet and physical activity]. / Modelo de predicción de obesidad en niños a partir de variables dietéticas y actividad física.

BACKGROUND: If obesity results from the interaction of variables that involve the subject and his environment, the alternatives to face the problem could be very diverse. The objective of this study was to seek for the best predictive model of childhood obesity from energy ingestion, dietary habits and physical activity. METHODS: Case control study of 99 obese and 100 healthy weight children (Center for Diseases Control criteria). Energy ingestion was estimated by means of a 24-hour recall, dietary and physical activity habits by validated questionnaires. A logistic regression analysis was made. RESULTS: Variables independently associated to obesity were higher energy ingestion; lower frequency in mealtimes; having the afternoon lunch outside home; higher frequency of consumption of fat, junk food and sweetened beverages; lower time of moderate physical activity at school and at home; and increased time for homework and watching TV. The variables included in the regression model were energy intake; frequency of ingestion of fat, junk foods and sweetened beverages; and physical activity at home and at school. CONCLUSION: The diversity of associated variables underlines the complexity and multi-causal condition of obesity.

INTRODUCCIÓN: si la obesidad es el resultado de variables que involucran al sujeto y a su entorno, las alternativas para abordar el problema pueden ser diversas. El objetivo fue mostrar el mejor modelo de predicción de obesidad en escolares a partir de la ingesta de energía, hábitos de alimentación y actividad física. MÉTODOS: estudio de casos y controles en 99 escolares obesos y 100 con peso saludable (criterio del Centro de Control de Enfermedades). La ingestión de energía se estimó por medio de dos recordatorios de 24 horas; los hábitos de alimentación y de actividad física, con instrumentos validados. El análisis se hizo con regresión logística. RESULTADOS: las variables asociadas a obesidad en forma independiente fueron mayor ingestión de energía; menor frecuencia en los tiempos de comida; colación vespertina fuera del hogar; mayor frecuencia de consumo de grasas, productos chatarra y bebidas endulzadas; menor tiempo de actividad física moderada en la escuela y en su casa, mayor tiempo en la realización de la tarea escolar y frente al televisor. Las variables incluidas en el modelo de regresión logística fueron: ingestión de energía, frecuencia de consumo de productos chatarra y bebidas endulzadas, y tiempo de actividad física moderada en la escuela y en casa. CONCLUSIÓN: la diversidad de variables asociadas identificadas muestra la complejidad y el carácter multifactorial de la obesidad.

Interleukine 6 and C-reactive protein predict growth impairment and acute malnutrition in children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease / La interleucina 6 y la proteína C-reactiva predicen el retraso del crecimiento y la desnutrición aguda en niños y adolescentes con enfermedad renal crónica

Objective: secondary malnutrition and systemic inflammation may impair growth and body composition in children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This association has been scantily studied, particularly in pre-dialytic stages. Our aim was to correlate growth and nutritional status indicators with the serum concentration of interleukine 6 (IL-6) and ultrasensitive C-reactive protein (CRP) in children with CKD. Methods: this was a prospective cross-sectional study in 29 children and adolescents aged 3-16 years with CKD, stages 3 or 4, in two third-level general hospitals. The outcome variables were height for age, body mass index, arm anthropometric indicators, plus lean mass/fat percentage by bioelectrical impedance. The independent variables were IL-6 and CRP. This study was reviewed and approved by the Health Research and Ethics Committees of both hospitals. Results: height for age, body mass index, subscapular skinfold, arm fat area, and lean mass had a significant negative correlation with IL-6. The height-for-age z-score had a negative correlation with CRP. IL-6 explained 15% to 35% of the variance in height for age and nutritional status indicators. CRP predicted 22% of height for age. One fifth of the patients had acute malnutrition, and one third were stunted. Muscle was the most affected compartment. Conclusion: IL-6 and CRP in children and adolescents with CKD in the pre-dialytic stage predicted one fifth and one third of the variance in acute and chronic malnutrition indicators. The frequency of acute malnutrition and impaired growth was considered clinically significant. Muscular mass deficit was a central component of malnutrition

Objetivo: correlacionar indicadores de crecimiento y del estado nutricional con la concentración sérica de interleucina 6 (IL-6) y proteína C-reactiva ultrasensible (PCR) en niños con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC). Métodos: estudio transversal analítico de 29 niños y adolescentes de 3 a 16 años de edad con ERC, estadios 3 o 4, en dos hospitales generales de tercer nivel. Las variables dependientes fueron indicadores antropométricos de crecimiento y del estado nutricional y la composición corporal por impedancia bioeléctrica. Las variables independientes fueron IL-6 y PCR. Este estudio fue revisado y aprobado por los Comités de Ética y de Investigación de ambos hospitales. Resultados: la talla para la edad (T/E), el índice de masa corporal, el pliegue cutáneo subescapular, el área de grasa del brazo y la masa magra obtuvieron una correlación negativa con la IL-6. La T/E obtuvo una correlación negativa con la PCR. La IL-6 explicó el 15% y 35% de la varianza de la T/E y de los indicadores del estado nutricional. La CRP predijo el 22% de la T/E. Una quinta parte de los pacientes tenía desnutrición aguda y una tercera parte desmedro. El compartimento corporal más afectado fue el muscular. Conclusión: la IL-6 y la PCR en niños y adolescentes con ERC en etapa predialítica explicaron una quinta y una tercera parte de la varianza de los indicadores de desnutrición aguda y crónica, respectivamente. La frecuencia de la desnutrición aguda y el desmedro fueron clínicamente significativos. El déficit de masa muscular fue un componente central de la desnutrición

Diferencias entre conductas alimentarias de preescolares que recibieron lactancia materna completa y preescolares que recibieron sucedáneos de la leche humana / Eating behaviors of preschoolers who were exclusively breastfed, and preschoolers who received human milk substitutes

El propósito fue demostrar diferencias en las conductas alimentarias entre preescolares que recibieron lactancia materna completa (LMC: exclusiva o predominante) y preescolares que recibieron sucedáneos de la leche humana (SLH), que acuden a jardín de niños de la zona metropolitana de Guadalajara. En estudio trasversal analítico por conveniencia, se seleccionaron a 177 preescolares de tres a cinco años de edad, sanos, nacidos a término, peso normal al nacer, con antecedentes de alimentación con LME o SLH que acudían a tres jardines de niños. Se aplicó un cuestionario validado de conductas alimentarias que consta de ocho escalas. Se obtuvieron variables socioeconómicas y demográficas de las familias e indicadores antropométricos de los participantes. Se aplicaron pruebas t de Student, U de Mann-Whitney, Chi cuadrado, razón de momios, coeficiente de correlación de Pearson y regresión logística. Hubo 2.8 veces mayor probabilidad de puntaje elevado en la escala comer menos por emociones en el grupo de SLH [RM=2.8 (1.0, 8.3), p=0.037]. Se observaron 15 correlaciones significativas entre las diferentes escalas del cuestionario en el grupo de LMC (62.5%) y nueve en el grupo de SLH (37.5%). Hubo siete correlaciones significativas entre las escalas en el grupo LMC que no fueron significativas en el grupo de SLH. En preescolares que recibieron LMC, a mayor lentitud para comer hubo menor irritabilidad hacia los alimentos (r=-0.325, p=0.01). Los preescolares con antecedentes de LMC tendrían menor probabilidad de alteraciones de conducta alimentaria y mostraron mayor número de correlaciones significativas entre las escalas que los preescolares que recibieron SLH(AU)

The purpose was to demonstrate differences in eating behaviors among preschool children who received full breastfeeding (FBF: exclusive or predominant) and preschool children who received human milk substitutes (HMS), who attend kindergarten in the metropolitan area of Guadalajara, Mexico. In analytical cross-sectional study by convenience, 177 preschoolers, three to five years old, healthy, term infants with normal weight at birth and feeding history of FBF or HMS attending three kindergartens were selected. A validated questionnaire of eating behaviors consisting of eight scales was applied. Socioeconomic and demographic variables of families and anthropometric indicators of participants were obtained. Student's t test, U Mann-Whitney, chi-square, odds ratio, Pearson correlation coefficient and logistic regression tests were applied. There were 2.8 times more likely to score high on the scale eat less by emotions in HMS group [OR = 2.8 (1.0, 8.3), p = 0.037]. Fifteen significant correlations between different scales of the questionnaire in the FBF group (62.5%) and nine in the HMS group (37.5%) were observed. There were seven significant correlations among the scales in FBF group, but not significant in the HMS group. In preschoolers receiving FBF, more frequency of eating slowly was related to less irritability to food (r=-0.325, p=0.01).Preschoolers with a history of FBF would be less likely to have alterations in eating behavior and showed more significant correlations between the scales that preschoolers who received HMS(AU)

Comparación del consumo de alimentos de niños que habitan una zona urbana y una rural en la población de Arandas, México / Comparison of foodconsumption in children living in an urban area and a rural population in arandas, mexico

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue comparar el consumo habitual de alimentos de niños en una zona urbana y otra rural en la población de Arandas, México.En un estudio transversal se incluyeron 196 niños de cinco a doce años que asistían a escuelas de educación preescolar y escolar. Se recabaron datos sociodemográficos, se realizó evaluación antropométrica y del consumo de alimentos, mediante dos encuestas alimentarias de recordatorio de 24 horas y otra de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos. Se compararon las características generales y del consumo de alimentosentre niños procedentes de zona rural y de zona urbana con las pruebas t de Student y chi cuadrada. El número de miembros por familia fue superior en zona rural, mientras que el ingreso familiar y el gasto en alimentación fueron superiores en zona urbana. No identificamos diferencias en la distribución del IMC, índice talla para la edad, ni en el consumo de energía y nutrientes entre zonas urbana y rural. El consumo de frutas y productos de origen animal fue más común en zona urbana, mientras que el de cereales y leguminosas fue más común en zona rural. Existen diferencias en el consumo de alimentos en estas poblaciones, con mayor consumo de alimentos considerados como tradicionales en zona rural y de alimentos de origen animal en zona urbana. Es importante identificar estas diferencias en vista de la transición nutricio alimentaria en la que se encuentra el país(AU)

Comparison of foodconsumption in children living in an urban area and a rural population in Arandas, Mexico. The objective of this study was to com- pare the habitual food intake of children in urban and rural areas in the town of Arandas, Mexico. In a crosssectional study 196 children from five to twelveyears,attending preschool and school education were included. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data were collected, as well as food consumption using two dietary surveys of 24-hour recall and a food frequency consumption questionnaire. General and food consumption characteristics among children from rural and urban areas were compared with Student t test and chi square. The number of members per household was higher in rural areathan in urban area, while household income and expenditure on food was higher in urban area. There were no differences in the distribution of BMI, height for age index, or the consumption of energy and nutrients between urban and rural area. The consumption of fruits and animal products was more frequent in urban area, while cereals and legumes were more common in rural area. There are differences in food intakein these populations, with increased consumption of foods considered traditional in rural area, and animal foods in urban area. It is important to identify these differences in view of the currentnutritional and epidemiologicaltransition of the Mexican population(AU)

Consenso para las prácticas de alimentación complementaria en lactantes sanos / Guidelines for complementary feeding in healthy infants

Resumen: La nutrición adecuada durante los primeros dos años de vida es fundamental para el desarrollo pleno del potencial de cada ser humano; actualmente se reconoce que este periodo es una ventana crítica para la promoción de un crecimiento y desarrollo óptimos y un buen estado de salud. Por tanto, cumplir con una alimentación adecuada en esta etapa de la vida tiene impacto sobre la salud, estado de nutrición, crecimiento y desarrollo de los niños; no sólo en el corto plazo, sino en el mediano y largo plazo. El presente trabajo ofrece recomendaciones de alimentación complementaria (AC) que se presentan en forma de preguntas o enunciados que consideran temas importantes para quienes atienden niños durante esta etapa de la vida; por ejemplo: inicio de la alimentación complementaria a los 4 o 6 meses de edad; exposición a alimentos potencialmente alergénicos; introducción de bebidas azucaradas; uso de edulcorantes artificiales y productos light; secuencia de introducción de alimentos; modificaciones de consistencia de alimentos de acuerdo a la maduración neurológica; número de días para probar aceptación y tolerancia a los alimentos nuevos; cantidades por cada tiempo de comida; prácticas inadecuadas de alimentación complementaria; mitos y realidades de la alimentación complementaria; hitos del desarrollo; práctica del "Baby Led Weaning" y práctica de vegetarianismo.

Abstract: A proper nutrition during the first two years of life is critical to reach the full potential of every human being; now, this period is recognized as a critical window for promoting optimal growth, development, and good health. Therefore, adequate feeding at this stage of life has an impact on health, nutritional status, growth and development of children; not only in the short term, but in the medium and long term. This paper provides recommendations on complementary feeding (CF) presented as questions or statements that are important for those who take care for children during this stage of life. For example: When to start complementary feedings: 4 or 6 months of age?; Exposure to potentially allergenic foods; Introduction of sweetened beverages; Use of artificial sweeteners and light products; Food introduction sequence; Food consistency changes according to neurological maturation; Number of days to test acceptance and tolerance to new foods; Amounts for each meal; Inadequate complementary feeding practices; Myths and realities of complementary feeding; Developmental milestones; Practice of "Baby Led Weaning" and practice of vegetarianism.