Complementary Feeding - MCH

Question 1

What is the critical period covered by complementary feeding?

Answer 1

6–24 months.

Question 2

What is the impact of delaying complementary feeding beyond 24 months?

Answer 2

It may lead to malnutrition, stunting, and delayed development.

Question 3

Why are infants ready for complementary feeding after six months?

Answer 3

They are physiologically and developmentally ready to explore different tastes and textures.

Question 4

What are the essential components of appropriate complementary feeding?

Answer 4

Timeliness, adequacy, safety, appropriate feeding frequency, and texture.

Question 5

At what age should complementary feeding begin?

Answer 5

At 6 months of age.

Question 6

Why should new foods be introduced one at a time during complementary feeding?

Answer 6

To identify allergies or intolerances and ensure proper adaptation to each food.

Question 7

How much protein should complementary feeding provide daily for a child between 6 months and 3 years?

Answer 7

1.2–1.5 g/kg/day or about 20 g/day.

Question 8

Why is iron vital in complementary feeding?

Answer 8

It is necessary for neuro-cognitive development and red blood cell formation.

Question 9

What are the safety measures to consider in complementary feeding?

Answer 9

Hygienic storage and preparation, clean utensils, no bottles or teats.

Question 10

How often should complementary feeds be given to a 6–8-month-old infant?

Answer 10

2–3 times per day, with breast milk as the primary food.

Question 11

Why should semi-solid and nutrient-dense foods be prioritised during complementary feeding?

Answer 11

They align with the child’s developmental needs and provide essential nutrients.

Question 12

What foods are considered inappropriate for complementary feeding?

Answer 12

Whole nuts, unpasteurised milk, honey, juices, and carbonated drinks.

Question 13

What factors influence successful complementary feeding?

Answer 13

Availability of diverse foods, caregiver knowledge, accessibility, and patience.

Question 14

Name two micronutrient deficiencies linked to inadequate complementary feeding.

Answer 14

Iron and vitamin A deficiencies.

Question 15

What are the consequences of inadequate complementary feeding on immunity?

Answer 15

Low immunity, increased susceptibility to infections like diarrhoea and respiratory tract infections.

Question 16

What are the three forms of growth failure associated with malnutrition?

Answer 16

Underweight, wasting, and stunting.

Question 17

How does inadequate nutrition affect brain development in children?

Answer 17

It can cause poor cognition and brain underdevelopment, affecting intelligence later in life.

Question 18

What is the economic impact of malnutrition in Nigeria?

Answer 18

Malnutrition causes a 2–3% GDP loss and reduces productivity by 20%.

Question 19

What is the significance of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in measuring malnutrition’s societal impact?

Answer 19

DALYs quantify the health gap caused by malnutrition compared to ideal health scenarios.

Question 20

How can healthcare practitioners support complementary feeding?

Answer 20

By providing education, practical feeding demonstrations, and nutrition interventions.

Question 21

What are the roles of governments in improving complementary feeding?

Answer 21

Food fortification, flexible work policies for breastfeeding mothers, and resource allocation.

Question 22

How can the private sector contribute to improving complementary feeding?

Answer 22

Supporting working mothers, developing novel products, and addressing nutrient gaps.

Question 23

Why is a multi-dimensional approach essential in improving complementary feeding?

Answer 23

It requires collaboration across health, nutrition, agriculture, and social welfare sectors.

Question 24

What is the role of fortified cereals in complementary feeding?

Answer 24

They provide essential nutrients, including iron, in an easily digestible form.

Question 25

How does stunting at two years affect a child’s education and lifetime income?

Answer 25

It decreases schooling years by 0.9 and lifetime income by nearly 10%.

Question 26

What strategies are suggested for controlling childhood diseases in tandem with improving nutrition?

Answer 26

Combined disease prevention and nutrition interventions are recommended.