Dietary practices and nutritional status of 0–24-month-old children from Brazilian Amazonia

摘要

ObjectiveTo assess the nutritional status and dietary practices of 0a€“24-month-old children living in Brazilian Amazonia.DesignCross-sectional study. Information on childrena€?s dietary intakes was obtained from diet history data. Weight and length were measured for anthropometric evaluation. Fe status was assessed using fasting venous blood samples; Hb, serum ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor concentrations were measured.SettingThe towns of Assis Brasil and Acrel?￠ndia in the state of Acre, north-west Brazil.SubjectsA total of sixty-nine randomly selected 0a€“24-month-old children.ResultsOf these children, 40?·3 % were anaemic, 63?·1 % were Fe-deficient, 28?·1 % had Fe-deficiency anaemia and 11?·6 % were stunted. Breast-feeding was initiated by 97?·1 % of mothers, followed by early feeding with complementary foods. The dietary pattern reflected a high intake of carbohydrate-rich foods and cowa€?s milk, with irregular intakes of fruit, vegetables and meat. All infants and 92?·3 % of toddlers were at risk of inadequate Fe intakes. Fe from animal foods contributed on average 0?·5 % and 14?·3 % to total dietary Fe intake among infants and toddlers, respectively.ConclusionsPoor nutritional status and inadequate feeding practices in this study population reinforce the importance of exclusive breast-feeding during the first 6 months of life. Greater emphasis is required to improve the bioavailability of dietary Fe during complementary feeding practices.