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Contribution of Breast milk to the total energy and nutrient intakes of Ghanaian children 18–24 months
Author(s) -
Lartey Anna,
AckatiaArmah Robert,
Marquis Grace Suzanne
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.20.4.a613-b
Subject(s) - medicine , breast milk , nutrient , vitamin d and neurology , micronutrient , total energy , breast feeding , vitamin , population , zoology , dietary reference intake , food science , environmental health , pediatrics , chemistry , biology , organic chemistry , psychology , biochemistry , pathology , displacement (psychology) , psychotherapist
The diet of toddlers may appear to be inadequate if energy and nutrients from breast milk are not considered. To determine the contribution of breast milk to the total energy and nutrient intakes of Ghanaian children between the ages of 18–24 months, 27 mothers with breastfed children (BMG) and 27 mothers with weaned children (WNG) were recruited for an in‐home dietary study. Children¡ ¯ s food intakes were measured by 12 h weighed food records and breast milk intake was measured by test weighing for the BMG. In a sub‐sample of 12 BMG children, 24 h breast milk intake was measured and is reported here. Total 24 h breast milk intake was 574.5 ¡À 212.8 g. The total energy and fat intakes of the BMG (N=12) and WNG (N=27) groups were significantly different (846.5 ¡À 309.8 kcal vs. 693.8 ¡À 203.3 kcal; p<0.02; 38.2 ¡À 15.5 vs. 16.5 ¡À 8.0 g; p<0.001, respectively). In addition, breastfed as compared to weaned children had higher total intakes of vitamin A (median: 714.5 vs. 362.0 ugRE; p=0.05), vitamin C (median: 46.90 vs. 30.7 mg; p=0.01), and calcium (308.0 ¡À 208.2 vs. 190.4 ¡À 90.3 mg; p<0.01). Breast milk contributed about 47% of energy and ¡Ý30% of vitamins A and C, calcium, and zinc. For this population, where complementary foods are usually nutritionally inadequate, breast milk still contributes significantly to the energy and nutrient intakes in the second year of life. Research support: NIH/NICHD HD 43260.