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Bassetti E, Blankenship J, White JM, Sweet L, Threapleton D, Pries AM. Benchmarking the nutrient composition and labelling practices of dry or instant cereals for older infants and young children across seven Southeast Asian countries. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2023; 19 Suppl 2:e13603. [PMID: 38092376 PMCID: PMC10719057 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
In Southeast Asia, the increasing availability of commercially produced complementary foods (CPCF), including dry or instant cereals (CPCF cereals), has been noted, however, concerns exist around their nutrient profile and labelling practices. This 2021 study assessed the nutrient composition, labelling practices, and micronutrient content of CPCF cereals sold in the capital cities of seven Southeast Asian countries: Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Jakarta (Indonesia), Manila (Philippines), Bangkok (Thailand), Vientiane (Lao PDR), Hanoi (Vietnam), and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). The study adapted a nutrient profiling model from the WHO Regional Office for Europe to determine the proportion of products suitable for promotion for older infants and young children. Micronutrient content of fortified CPCF cereals was assessed against fortification levels specified in the Codex Alimentarius guideline for formulated complementary foods. Of the 484 products assessed, 184 (38.0%) met all nutrient composition requirements. Around one-third of CPCF cereals contained added sugars and/or sweeteners (37.2%) and high levels of sodium (28.9%). None of the CPCF cereals met all labelling requirements, primarily due to the presence of inappropriate claims on the labels. Most fortified CPCF cereals contained adequate amounts of critical micronutrients, such as calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin D. However, rates of fortification varied across the seven countries, and almost a third (30.8%) of CPCF cereals were not fortified with any micronutrients. To support the appropriate promotion of CPCF in the region, Southeast Asian countries need to strengthen and enforce national binding legal measures, including national standards for the composition, labelling, and fortification of CPCF cereals.
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Karthikappallil R, Atkinson SH. Universal iron supplementation: the best strategy to tackle childhood anaemia in malaria-endemic countries? Wellcome Open Res 2023; 8:345. [PMID: 37786779 PMCID: PMC10541535 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.19750.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron deficiency presents a major public health concern in many malaria-endemic regions, and both conditions affect young children most severely. Daily iron supplementation is the standard public health intervention recommended to alleviate rates of iron deficiency in children, but there is controversy over whether universal supplementation could increase the incidence and severity of malaria infection. Current evidence suggests that iron supplementation of deficient individuals is safe and effective in high-transmission settings when accompanied by malaria prevention strategies. However, low-resource settings often struggle to effectively control the spread of malaria, and it remains unclear whether supplementation of iron replete individuals could increase their risk of malaria and other infections. This review explores the evidence for and against universal iron supplementation programmes, and alternative strategies that could be used to alleviate iron deficiency in malaria-endemic areas, while minimising potential harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshan Karthikappallil
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, UK
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, UK
| | - Sarah H. Atkinson
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, UK
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, UK
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Centre for Geographic Medicine Coast, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
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Harrison L, Padhani Z, Salam R, Oh C, Rahim K, Maqsood M, Ali A, Charbonneau K, Keats EC, Lassi ZS, Imdad A, Owais A, Das J, Bhutta ZA. Dietary Strategies for Complementary Feeding between 6 and 24 Months of Age: The Evidence. Nutrients 2023; 15:3041. [PMID: 37447369 PMCID: PMC10346638 DOI: 10.3390/nu15133041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Suboptimal complementary feeding practices remain highly prevent. This review aims to comprehensively synthesize new emerging evidence on a set of topics related to the selection and consumption of complementary foods. We synthesized evidence related to five key topics focused on nutritional interventions that target the complementary feeding period, based on four systematic reviews that include updated evidence to February 2022. While there have been many studies examining interventions during the complementary feeding period, there is an overall lack of relevant information through which to draw conclusions on the ideal feeding schedule by food type. Similarly, few studies have examined the effects of animal milk versus infant formula for non-breastfed infants (6-11 months), though those that did found a greater risk of anemia among infants who were provided cow's milk. This review highlights a number of interventions that are successful at improving micronutrient status and anthropometry during the complementary feeding period, including fortified blended foods, locally and commercially produced supplementary foods, and small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements. Complementary feeding education for caregivers can also be used to improve nutrition outcomes among infants in both food secure and insecure populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Harrison
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Zahra Padhani
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Rehana Salam
- The Daffodil Centre—A Joint Venture of Cancer Council and The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Christina Oh
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Komal Rahim
- Internal Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi 74800, Pakistan
| | - Maria Maqsood
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Anna Ali
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Kimberly Charbonneau
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Emily C. Keats
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Zohra S. Lassi
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Aamer Imdad
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Aatekah Owais
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Jai Das
- Division of Women & Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi 74800, Pakistan
| | - Zulfiqar A. Bhutta
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Division of Women & Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi 74800, Pakistan
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Endevelt R, Tulchinsky TH, Stahl Z, Mor Z, Davidovitch N, Levine H, Troen AM. Challenges and obstacles implementing evidence-based food fortification policy in a high-income country. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1052314. [PMID: 37006576 PMCID: PMC10061091 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1052314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes food fortification as one of the most cost-effective and beneficial public health measures available. Mass fortification policies and regulations can reduce health disparities, including in high-income countries, by improving micronutrient intake among food-insecure or high-risk populations without changing their diet or behavior. While international health organizations have traditionally prioritized technical assistance and grants to medium and low-income countries, it is important to recognize that micronutrient deficiencies may also pose an important yet underappreciated public health problem in many high-income countries. Nevertheless, some high-income countries, including Israel, have been slow to adopt fortification, due to a variety of scientific, technological, regulatory, and political barriers. Overcoming these barriers requires an exchange of knowledge and expertise among the all stakeholders to achieve cooperation and broad public acceptance within countries. Similarly, sharing the experience of countries where the matter is in play may help inform efforts to advance fortification globally. Here we share a perspective on progress and barriers to achieve this goal in Israel, to inform efforts made to avoid the regrettable waste of unrealized human potential from prevalent yet preventable nutrient deficiency conditions, in Israel and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronit Endevelt
- The Israel Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Welfare and Health Sciences, Haifa University, Haifa, Israel
| | | | - Ziva Stahl
- The Israel Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Public Health, Ashkelon Academic College, Ashkelon, Israel
- Department of Health Systems Management, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Zohar Mor
- The Israel Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Public Health, Ashkelon Academic College, Ashkelon, Israel
| | - Nadav Davidovitch
- Department of Health Systems Management, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Hagai Levine
- The Hebrew University–Hadassah Medical Center Braun School of Public Health & Community Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Aron M. Troen
- The School of Nutritional Sciences and Institute of Biochemistry Food and Nutrition Science, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- *Correspondence: Aron M. Troen
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Maulide Cane R, Keita Y, Lambo L, Pambo E, Gonçalves MP, Varandas L, Craveiro I. Prevalence and factors related to anaemia in children aged 6-59 months attending a quaternary health facility in Maputo, Mozambique. Glob Public Health 2023; 18:2278876. [PMID: 37932958 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2023.2278876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Globally, anaemia prevails as a public health issue, being also a concern in Mozambique, where about two-thirds of children 6-59 months of age are affected by this condition. We carried out this study to estimate anaemia prevalence and evaluate structural determinants and haematological parameters association among children aged 6-59 months attending pediatric inpatient and outpatient services in a Quaternary Health Facility in Maputo City Province, Mozambique. We collected data from 637 inpatients or outpatients who attended pediatric consultations at the Maputo Central Hospital. The overall rate of anaemia in children aged 6-59 months was 62.2% (396/637), with 30.9% moderate anaemia (197/637), 23.9% mild anaemia (152/637), and 7.4% severe anaemia (47/637). Among our study participants, critical factors for anaemia were those concerning the age group, child´s caregiver schooling, malaria and size of the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Réka Maulide Cane
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde, Ministério da Saúde, Maputo, Mozambique
- Unidade de Ensino e Investigação de Saúde Pública Global, Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Youssouf Keita
- Public Health Independent Consultant, Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)/C4N-NIPN/ Clinton Health Access Initiative, Bamako, Mali
| | - Luisa Lambo
- Hospital Central de Maputo, Ministério da Saúde, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Elcidio Pambo
- Hospital Central de Maputo, Ministério da Saúde, Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | - Luís Varandas
- Unidade de Ensino e Investigação de Clínica das Doenças Tropicais, Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Hospital Dona Estefânia, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Central, Lisboa, Portugal
- NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Isabel Craveiro
- Unidade de Ensino e Investigação de Saúde Pública Global, Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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Tong H, Piwoz E, Ruel MT, Brown KH, Black RE, Walker N. Maternal and child nutrition in the Lives Saved Tool: Results of a recent update. J Glob Health 2022; 12:08005. [PMID: 36583418 PMCID: PMC9801341 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.12.08005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Lives Saved Tool (LiST) is a mathematical modelling tool for estimating the survival, health, and nutritional impacts of scaling intervention coverage in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Various nutrition interventions are included in LiST and are regularly (and independently) reviewed and updated as new data emerge. This manuscript describes our latest in-depth review of nutrition evidence, focusing on intervention efficacy, appropriate population-affected fractions, and new interventions for potential inclusion in the LiST model. Methods An external advisory group (EAG) was assembled to review evidence from systematic reviews on intervention-outcome (I-O) pairs for women and children under five years of age. GRADE quality was assigned to each pair based on a LiST-specific checklist to facilitate consistent decisions during the consideration. For existing interventions with new information, the EAG was asked to recommend whether to update the default efficacy values and population-affected fractions. For the new interventions, the EAG decided whether there was sufficient evidence of benefit, and in affirmative cases, information on the efficacy and affected fraction values that could be used. Decisions were based on expert group consensus. Results Overall, the group reviewed 53 nutrition-related I-O pairs, including 25 existing and 28 new ones. Efficacy and population-affected fractions were updated for seven I-O pairs; three pairs were updated for efficacy estimates only, three were updated for population-affected fractions only; and nine new I-O pairs were added to the model, bringing the total of nutrition-related I-O pairs to 34. Included in the new I-O pairs were two new nutrition interventions added to LIST: zinc fortification and neonatal vitamin A supplementation. Conclusions For modelling tools like LiST to be useful, it is crucial to update interventions, efficacy and population-affected fractions as new evidence becomes available. The present updates will enable LiST users to better estimate the potential health, nutrition, and survival benefits of investing in nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Tong
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ellen Piwoz
- Independent Consultant, Annapolis, Maryland, USA
| | - Marie T Ruel
- Poverty, Health, and Nutrition Division, International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Kenneth H Brown
- Department of Nutrition and Institute for Global Nutrition, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Robert E Black
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Neff Walker
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Brooker PG, Rebuli MA, Williams G, Muhlhausler BS. Effect of Fortified Formula on Growth and Nutritional Status in Young Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients 2022; 14:5060. [PMID: 36501090 PMCID: PMC9737957 DOI: 10.3390/nu14235060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous reviews of the effect of young child formulas on health outcomes in infants and toddlers have been inconclusive. In this study, we undertook a contemporary synthesis of studies investigating the effects of consuming fortified milk beverages (compared to cow’s milk or unfortified comparator formula) on growth and/or nutritional status in children 1−3 years of age. Five electronic databases were searched (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, and Cochrane Library) for randomised controlled trials comparing fortified milk against control milk in young children (9−48 months), published between January 1990 and June 2022. Outcomes were growth, body composition, biochemical markers, and/or nutritional status. Mean differences (MD) were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis where there were ≥3 studies. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. Nineteen articles (12 studies; n = 4795) met the inclusion criteria. Heterogeneity was substantial, likely attributable to considerable variation in study characteristics. Fortified milk was associated with increased weight gain (MD = 0.14 kg [95% CI 0.06, 021], p = 0.0003) compared with control milk. Subgroup analyses demonstrated increases in weight in lower-income countries, and in studies with intervention periods > 6 months. There were no effects of fortified milks on other anthropometric measures. Haemoglobin (MD = 3.76 g/L [95% CI 0.17, 7.34], p = 0.04) and ferritin (MD = 0.01 nmol/L [95% CI 0.00, 0.02], p = 0.02) concentrations were increased in infants consuming fortified milks. Fortified milk beverages appear to offer a safe and acceptable source of complementary nutrition as a short-term strategy for addressing nutritional deficits and may modestly promote weight gain in vulnerable populations when provided for periods > 6 months. This study was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022339920) and funded by the Infant Nutrition Council.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige G. Brooker
- Health and Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Adelaide, BC 5000, Australia
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Commercial Complementary Food in Germany: A 2020 Market Survey. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14183762. [PMID: 36145138 PMCID: PMC9502210 DOI: 10.3390/nu14183762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
As consumption of commercial complementary food (CCF) during infancy and toddlerhood is common, the aim of the present study was to describe the current (2020) German market of CCF products targeted at infants and toddlers with a special focus on ingredients, macronutrients, and the practice of nutrient fortification. Information on age declarations, ingredients, energy and nutrient contents, and nutrient fortification was obtained in a market survey by contacting the producers and searching manufacturers’ websites. Each product was assigned to 1 of 13 product categories (menus, milk−cereal−meal, fruit−cereal−meal, oil, vegetables, meat, fish, fruits, cereals, snack foods, pouches, desserts, beverages). Descriptive statistics were used. We identified 1057 CF products on the German market (infants’ CCF (<12 months): n = 829; toddlers’ CCF (>12 months): n = 228)). The highest protein content (% of energy content, %E) was found in meat products. In pouches, beverages, cereal fruit meals, and fruits, more than 50% of energy came from total sugar. The highest median salt content was found in toddlers’ menus and desserts. Around one-third of infants’ CCF products and one quarter of toddlers’ products were fortified with nutrients. Vitamin B1 (thiamin) was the most frequently fortified nutrient, followed by vitamin C, iron, calcium, and vitamin D. Apple was the type of fruit listed most often in products with fruits, whereas carrot was the most frequent vegetable among CCF with vegetables. In particular, the high total sugar content of most CCFs currently available on the German market may promote unhealthy dietary habits. Parents need to be advised about the optimal selection of products.
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