Commercial Complementary Foods in Nine Countries

Information on complementary foods, especially commercially prepared complementary foods (CCF) in diets of older infants and young children is limited in most countries. Nine target countries of differing levels of economic development (Brazil, Cameroon, Egypt, France, Indonesia, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, United States) were selected to describe the role of CCF in the nutritional intake of 6‐month to 24‐month‐old children in context of published scientific reports. CCF were identified from country‐level market basket and DHS surveys; foods were assigned to a WHO dietary indicator food category and nutrition information from labels was used to characterize these foods for their content of iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin A, sodium, sugars and fat. Cereals were the most common CCF in each country, providing significant proportions of recommended levels of iron and often zinc. CCF foods in higher SES countries were more diverse; CCF could improve diet diversity in developing countries. Fortification levels vary: CCF had higher iron and vitamin A levels content in countries where deficiencies of these are common and variety is limited. Declared levels of sugars, fat and salt in CCFs were in line with recommendations for a balanced diet. Where CCFs are commonly used and diet survey data are available CCF contribute a substantial portion of the nutritional intake. In most countries diet surveys are needed to determine the quantitative the nutritional contribution of CCF. Forecasts of growth of CCF in less developed countries suggests increased prevalence or duration of use of CCF are needed for these foods to improve intake of key nutrients in the diets of young children.