Assignment Report: Systematic Review of Complementary Feeding Strategies amongst Children Less than Two Years of Age

Abstract

The prevalence of malnutrition in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is considerably high. Malnutrition leads to susceptibility to preventable infectious diseases and has an indirect association with the leading causes of death in children. Malnutrition is preventable through effective complementary feeding practices. Several strategies have been employed to improve complementary feeding practices. These include nutritional education to mothers designed to promote healthy feeding practices; provision of complementary food offering extra energy (with or without micronutrient fortification); and increasing energy density of complementary foods through simple technology.

This Systematic Review aims to:

  • Collate and synthesise relevant information on the roles of complementary feeding and education on complementary feeding in children 6 to 24 months of age.
  • Identify interventions and their effectiveness on growth, iron status, and morbidity.
  • Undertake cost analysis of intervention and food products.

Based on this review, the authors develop an analytical summary of current evidence of intervention impact and draft recommendations.

Citation

Lassi, Z.S.; Guleshehwar Zahid; Das, J.K.; Bhutta, Z.A. Assignment Report: Systematic Review of Complementary Feeding Strategies amongst Children Less than Two Years of Age. HEART, UK (2013) 76 pp.

Assignment Report: Systematic Review of Complementary Feeding Strategies amongst Children Less than Two Years of Age

Published 1 January 2013