Abstract Digest: Issue 2, April 2010

Increases during past 5-10 years in percentage of mothers who initiate breastfeeding within the first hour after birth associated with reduced under-5 mortality

Early initiation of breastfeeding is one of three child health interventions found to be significantly related to reductions in under-5 mortality rates in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia during the past 5-10 years.

Composite complementary feeding index predicts linear growth of older infants in India

In rural India, length-for-age at 6-12 months of age was found to be positively associated with a composite complementary feeding index, which revealed that the major problems were delayed introduction of semi-solid/solid foods and very low dietary diversity, with particularly low intakes of meat, poultry, eggs, fruits, and vegetables.

Economic downturns may decrease access to high-quality, non-grain foods, which could threaten progress in reducing child stunting rates

Indonesian households that spent more money on high-quality, non-grain foods were less likely to have stunted children, even after controlling for household socio-economic status. However, with the rise in food prices in developing countries, non-grain foods will likely become less affordable and malnutrition more prevalent.

Enrichment using ‘one-size-fits-all’ product could fill nutrient gaps in emergency food packages

Adding small amounts of lipid-based supplements could address multiple nutritional deficiencies in emergency food packages given to infants, young children, and pregnant and lactating women.

Additional micronutrients during pregnancy may improve birth weight and child growth and development

A group of experts reviewed the results of a meta-analysis of randomized trials comparing multiple micronutrients (MMN) with daily iron-folic acid supplementation during pregnancy. The experts concluded that replacing iron-folic acid supplements with MMN supplements will improve infant health outcomes, though the success of this strategy will depend on the improvement of related maternal and child health interventions.