Addressing emerging issues in complementary feeding
Overview
Complementary feeding typically covers the period from 6 to 24 months of age, and its adequacy (timely, adequate, safe and appropriate) not only depends on the availability of a variety of foods in the household, but also on the feeding practices of caregivers. Suboptimal complementary feeding practices play a significant role in child malnutrition and can affect growth and metabolism, which has long‐term programming effects on organ development and health.
WHO SEARO focuses on
Supporting countries to address the traditional issues of delayed initiation, inadequacy and lack of dietary diversity of complementary foods, through in depth analysis of secondary data. This information will inform policies to improving feeding practices through strengthening systems to support mothers in infant and young child feeding at scale.
Emerging issues such as commercial complementary foods which are high in sodium, have a total-sugar content and a possibly sub optimum fatty acid profile and the consumption of nutrient-poor snack foods and beverages among young children. The nutrient profile model for food products for older infants and young children will be published soon.
WHO SEARO is also collaborating with UNICEF EAPRO and other UN partners to adapt an Action Framework for Improving Young Children’s Diets in the Region.
Key facts
The Report of the Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity recommends the development of regulations on the marketing of complementary foods and beverages, in line with WHO recommendations, to limit the consumption of foods and beverages high in fat, sugar and salt by infants and young children.
Therefore, WHO SEARO is supporting the development of evidence on commercial complementary foods and snack foods fed to young children, through a detailed analysis of commercial complementary foods on the market in three countries of SEARO. This initial step will inform future development of a nutrient profile model for commercial complementary foods marketed as suitable for infants and young children.