Strategies to improve micronutrient status of infants and young children with special attention to complementary foods fortified with micronutrients: Perspectives from Vietnam

Abstract

Stunting and micronutrient deficiencies are still prevalent in Vietnam and other developing countries, and effective actions are needed. • Integrated interventions should be directed to women in reproductive age before and during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and infants and young children. • Appropriate complementary feeding practices are particularly important and should follow the WHO guidelines. • Complementary foods of good quality can be manufactured locally and made available and accessible to all families especially the poorest, in accordance with the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes. • The efficacy of appropriate complementary feeding on the nutritional status, growth, and development of infants and young children has been proved in Vietnam and in many other settings. • The awareness, commitment, and support of communities and government are essential to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of complementary feeding interventions. • The fortification of staple foods and condiments with micronutrients may be an alternative strategy to improve the micronutrient status of populations including women of childbearing age, infants, and young children.