Feeding Practices and Determination of the Energy and Nutrient Intakes of 9-12 Month- old Infants Followed-Up at Well Child Clinic

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the complementary feeding practices and energy, macro-, and micro- nutrient intakes of infants aged 9-12 months.Material and Method: The study was carried out at Well Child Clinic of the Department of Children’s Health and Diseases of Istanbul University, School of Medicine between February 1, and September 30 2011 and conducted with consecutively admitted 243 infants aged 9 and 12 months. Anthropometric measurements and 24-hour food consumption were recorded. A structured questionnaire was filled by using face-to-face interview method. Turkish reference curves were used to evaluate weight, height and standard deviation scores of infants. Daily intake of energy, and nutrients were determined using food analyse program loaded in BEBİS software program.Results: Most of the infants were exclusively breastfed at 4 83.1% , and 6 months 58.0% , and breastfeeding was maintained at 9, and 12 months for 79.0, and, 72.6% of the infants, respectively. Iron, iodine and vitamin D intakes were insufficient. Milk group and fruits were mostly, and meat, and egg were leastly consumed foods.Conclusion: These problems detected in nutrition of infants despite recommendations provided in well child clinic demonstrates the need for more effective education of families about infant feeding