Guidelines for Complementary Feeding of Infants in the Asia Pacific Region: APACPH Public Health Nutrition Group
Colin Binns, Mi Kyung Lee, Wah Yun Low, Philip Baker, Awang Bulgiba, Maznah Dahlui, Doan Thi Thuy Duong, Georgia S. Guldan, Noran Naqiah Hairi, Tomiko Hokama, Masaharu Kagawa, Indika Karunathilake, Hazreen Abdul Majid, Bruce Maycock, Keiko Nanishi, Liqian Qiu, Raheema Abdul Raheem, Jane Scott, Li Tang
Abstract
Good nutrition in the first "1000 days," including breastfeeding and appropriate complementary foods, prepares for a healthy childhood and adult life, also contributes to the prevention of the double burden of malnutrition. Exclusive breastfeeding provides all required nutrients until an infant is around 6 months of age when complementary foods are needed. A literature review was undertaken of complementary foods in the Asia Pacific region. The foods being used at present are often of low nutrient density may provide insufficient amounts of some critical nutrients, and generally the variety is limited. Guidelines for complementary feeding are provided to assist in education and in public health planning.