Complementary foods in Colombia

Abstract

This paper describes the development of processed complementary foods in Colombia and the composition of currently available foods. The main product, Bienestarina, has been produced by the Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar since 1976. The total annual production of the product exceeds 300,000 tons. In 1999 nearly 27,000 tons were produced and served to over 4.2 million beneficiaries. Both the government and the private sector are involved in the production of these foods. Bienestarina and other complementary foods appear to be widely accepted by the low-income population. Their nutritional impact has not been evaluated, and their composition reflects former concerns about protein rather than micronutrient adequacy and bioavailability.