Complementary Feeding: Food Group Diversity and Probability of Nutrient Adequacy among 6-12-Month-Old Infants in Southern Thailand

Abstract

Objective: To determine complementary food intake, food group diversity and nutritional adequacy of 6-12-month-old infants in southern Thailand. Material and Methods: A total of 120 healthy infants, aged 6-12 months, were enrolled: from December 2020 to November 2021. A 24-hour food record was used to assess the type, amount and frequency of food intake in each infant. The infants’ food intake was classified into seven food groups. Macronutrient and micronutrient intakes were analysed using the INMUCAL software program; the standard program for the calculation of nutrients in Thai food. Results: Of the 120 infants, 10 (8.3%) received breast and/or formula feeding without complementary food; 30 (25%) received 1, 66 (55%) received 2, and 14 (11.7%) 3-4 received complementary meals a day. The 4 most common supplementary foods given to the infants were rice mixed with vitamin A-rich fruits or vegetables, meat, eggs, or other fruits (mostly bananas). Infants who received 1 complementary meal, with 1-3 food groups a day, had significantly higher percentages of micronutrient inadequacies (iron, magnesium, selenium and vitamin E) than those receiving at least 2 complementary meals; with at least 4 food groups a day. Conclusion: Infants in southern Thailand who were fed <4 food groups with <2 complementary meals a day were at risk of micronutrient inadequacies; such as iron, magnesium, selenium and vitamin E. Therefore, infants aged 6-7 months should be given a minimum meal frequency (MMF) of 2 meals, with a minimum dietary diversity (MDD) of 4 food groups per day.

Keywords

• food group diversity
• infant feeding
• minimal dietary diversity
• probability of micronutrient inadequacy