Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Tayla von Ash, Anna Alikhani, Katherine M. Sharkey, Paola Solano, Melanie Morales Aquino, Patricia Markham Risica
Summary: Excessive sleepiness during late pregnancy is associated with less favorable attitudes toward breastfeeding, while excessive sleepiness at 6 months postpartum is associated with less use of feeding to calm a fussy infant. However, excessive sleepiness does not affect breastfeeding intentions, initiation, or continuation. Assessing excessive sleepiness in late pregnancy can help identify individuals with negative attitudes toward breastfeeding and lead to innovative approaches to promote breastfeeding in populations with lower rates.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Malgorzata Kostecka, Izabella Jackowska, Julianna Kostecka
Summary: Maternal age, educational level, and nutrition knowledge significantly influence infant feeding practices, with older, more educated mothers generally able to better conduct breastfeeding. Additionally, maternal nutrition knowledge plays a crucial role in determining the timing of introducing solid foods, adjusting food consistency, and delaying the introduction of new foods for infants.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Natalya Usheva, Sonya Galcheva, Greet Cardon, Marieke De Craemer, Odysseas Androutsos, Aneta Kotowska, Piotr Socha, Berthold Koletzko, Luis A. Moreno, Violeta Iotova, Yannis Manios
Summary: This study found a positive association between the timing of solid food introduction and duration of breastfeeding, as well as socioeconomic status, and a negative association with smoking during pregnancy. However, early introduction of solid food did not increase the risk of overweight in preschoolers.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Zahra A. Padhani, Jai K. Das, Faareha A. Siddiqui, Rehana A. Salam, Zohra S. Lassi, Durray Shahwar A. Khan, Ammaar M. A. Abbasi, Emily C. Keats, Sajid Soofi, Robert E. Black, Zulfiqar A. Bhutta
Summary: This systematic review evaluates the impact of the timing of complementary feeding introduction on health, nutrition, and developmental outcomes among normal-term infants. The findings suggest that early introduction of complementary feeding may increase the risk of higher body mass index, overweight/obesity, and respiratory tract infections. Late introduction of complementary feeding may lead to lower height, body mass index, blood pressure, and increased risk of intestinal helminth infection. However, more robust studies are needed to support these findings and potentially change current recommendations.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Margherita Caroli, Andrea Vania, Maria Anna Tomaselli, Immacolata Scotese, Giovanna Tezza, Maria Carmen Verga, Giuseppe Di Mauro, Angelo Antignani, Andrea Miniello, Marcello Bergamini
Summary: Suboptimal nutrient quality and quantity during complementary feeding can negatively impact infants' healthy growth, even with adequate energy intake. Differentiated complementary feeding schemes may be needed to properly satisfy the various nutritional needs of breastfed and formula/cow's milk fed infants. The type of milk fed to infants has a significant impact on their protein, iron, and calcium intake, with formula-fed infants achieving higher protein intakes compared to breastfed infants.
Article
Pediatrics
Edith Y. Kim-Herrera, Ivonne Ramirez-Silva, Guadalupe Rodriguez-Oliveros, Eduardo Ortiz-Panozo, Marcela Sanchez-Estrada, Marta Rivera-Pasquel, Rafael Perez-Escamilla, Juan Angel Rivera-Dommarco
Summary: This study investigated parental feeding styles and complementary feeding practices in Mexican infants, finding that a high proportion did not meet international recommendations. The study suggested a correlation between parental feeding styles and growth indicators in 6-month old infants.
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Andrea Horvath, Agata Strozyk, Piotr Dziechciarz, Hania Szajewska
Summary: This study in Poland investigated how COVID-19 pandemic restrictions impacted complementary feeding practices among parents of infants aged 4 to 12 months. Results showed that most parents received information from various sources, with other parents, family members, or friends being the most common source. The study found that COVID-19 restrictions did not significantly affect feeding methods or patterns, but may have had an impact on complementary feeding in families with average financial situations.
Article
Biology
Murat Gulsen, Beril Aydinb, Guliz Gurer, Siddika Songul Yalcin
Summary: This study explores AI-assisted emotion assessment in infants aged 6-11 months during complementary feeding. The results indicate that infants exhibit high disgust responses to meat and anger reactions to yogurt. Breastfed infants show more negative emotions when exposed to certain food groups, while non-breastfed infants have less intense reactions to their favorite foods and desserts.
COMPUTERS IN BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Fifali Sam Ulrich Bodjrenou, Waliou Amoussa Hounkpatin, Celine Termote, Geoffroy Dato, Mathilde Savy
Summary: This study examined breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices in a food-insecure area of Benin. The findings showed suboptimal practices in both breastfeeding and complementary feeding. Factors such as mothers' education and children's age and sex were significantly associated with breastfeeding practices, while complementary feeding practices were positively linked with children's age. Nutrition intervention programs are needed to improve these practices.
FOOD SCIENCE & NUTRITION
(2021)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Chessa K. Lutter, Laurence Grummer-Strawn, Lisa Rogers
Summary: Complementary feeding is introduced to complement a milk-based diet between 6 and 23 months of age, a critical period for both physical and cognitive development. It is important to pay attention to nutrient intake, as well as how a child is fed, to help form lifelong eating habits and practices.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marjia Sultana, Shishir Dhar, Towhid Hasan, Lincon Chandra Shill, Nafisa Habib Purba, Akibul Islam Chowdhury, Suvasish Das Shuvo
Summary: Despite satisfactory knowledge and attitude towards exclusive breastfeeding, the practice among mothers is poor. Interventions should prioritize ensuring exclusive breastfeeding practice among mothers, in addition to improving their knowledge and attitudes.
Article
Pediatrics
M. H. Mphasha, M. S. Makwela, N. Muleka, B. Maanaso, M. M. Phoku
Summary: Breastfeeding and complementary feeding are crucial for infant and young child feeding to ensure healthy growth and development. This study aimed to assess the breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices among caregivers of children under 24 months in Seshego, Limpopo Province. The findings showed that 55% of participants had good practices, with most initiating breastfeeding within an hour after delivery and a low rate of exclusive breastfeeding. The study highlights the need for interventions to promote exclusive breastfeeding, continued breastfeeding, and appropriate complementary feeding post discharge.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Plabon Sarkar, M. A. Rifat, Progati Bakshi, Imdadul Haque Talukdar, Sarah M. L. Pechtl, Tobias Lindstroem Battle, Sanjib Saha
Summary: This review examines the associations between parental education and infant and young child feeding practices in Bangladesh. The results show a positive association between parental education and complementary feeding practices, while the relationship with breastfeeding is inconclusive. Public health interventions should focus on promoting appropriate complementary feeding for non- and/or low-educated parents, as well as encouraging educated mothers to initiate colostrum and practice proper breastfeeding.
Article
Pediatrics
Charles T. Wood, Whitney P. Witt, Asheley C. Skinner, Hsiang S. Yin, Russell L. Rothman, Lee M. Sanders, Alan M. Delamater, Kori B. Flower, Melissa C. Kay, Eliana M. Perrin
Summary: The study found that infants predominantly breastfed from 2 to 6 months had the lowest odds of rapid weight gain. Delaying the introduction of complementary foods until after 4 months was also associated with decreased odds of rapid weight gain.
ACADEMIC PEDIATRICS
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Hui Li, Shunna Lin, Xinran Shen, Nubiya Amaerjiang, Wen Shu, Menglong Li, Huidi Xiao, Sofia Segura-Perez, Rafael Perez-Escamilla, Xin Fan, Yifei Hu
Summary: The study found that maternal emotional regulation strategy and breastfeeding education have a significant impact on early exclusive breastfeeding practices. Mothers who engage in expressive suppression are less likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding, while receiving breastfeeding education is positively associated with exclusive breastfeeding.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Jo-Anna B. Baxter, Yaqub Wasan, Muhammad Islam, Simon Cousens, Sajid B. Soofi, Imran Ahmed, Daniel W. Sellen, Zulfiqar A. Bhutta
Summary: The study found that dietary diversity was lacking among sampled Pakistani adolescent girls, mainly due to poverty being the most important predictor of a diet lacking in diversity. Among the social determinants associated with DDS, wealth quintile had the strongest association.
MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Alison Mildon, Jane Francis, Stacia Stewart, Bronwyn Underhill, Yi Man Ng, Christina Rousseau, Erica Di Ruggiero, Cindy-Lee Dennis, Deborah L. O'Connor, Daniel W. Sellen
Summary: While 70% of participants continued breastfeeding for 6 months, only 18% practiced exclusive breastfeeding for the full duration. The early use of formula was common in the first three months, and the introduction of solids and non-formula fluids at 5 to 6 months further compromised exclusive breastfeeding rates. Transitions between different categories of breastmilk feeding intensity were common, with 35% making two or more transitions. High levels of breastmilk provision were observed despite low rates of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, highlighting the need for nuanced reporting and intervention designs in future studies.
MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Alison Mildon, Jane Francis, Stacia Stewart, Bronwyn Underhill, Yi Man Ng, Elle Richards, Christina Rousseau, Erica Di Ruggiero, Cindy-Lee Dennis, Deborah L. O'Connor, Daniel W. Sellen
Summary: Only one-third of Canadian infants are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life as recommended. Skilled lactation support in the early postpartum period is one strategy for improving breastfeeding outcomes by building breastfeeding self-efficacy and resolving difficulties. This pre/post intervention study aims to examine the effect on breastfeeding outcomes of an evidence-based in-home lactation support intervention provided through the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP).
INTERNATIONAL BREASTFEEDING JOURNAL
(2021)
Correction
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Alison Mildon, Jane Francis, Stacia Stewart, Bronwyn Underhill, Yi Man Ng, Elle Richards, Christina Rousseau, Erica Di Ruggiero, Cindy-Lee Dennis, Deborah L. O'Connor, Daniel W. Sellen
INTERNATIONAL BREASTFEEDING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Ryan M. Pace, Janet E. Williams, Bianca Robertson, Kimberly A. Lackey, Courtney L. Meehan, William J. Price, James A. Foster, Daniel W. Sellen, Elizabeth W. Kamau-Mbuthia, Egidioh W. Kamundia, Samwel Mbugua, Sophie E. Moore, Andrew M. Prentice, Debela G. Kita, Linda J. Kvist, Gloria E. Otoo, Lorena Ruiz, Juan M. Rodriguez, Rossina G. Pareja, Mark A. McGuire, Lars Bode, Michelle K. McGuire
Summary: Previous studies have shown that human milk composition, including HMOs, lactose, and protein, varies by geography, and these factors are associated with differences in milk and infant fecal microbial community structures. Geographic location strongly influences the microbial composition of milk and infant feces, but samples can be categorized into a smaller number of community state types based on shared microbial profiles.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Iulia Badescu, David P. Watts, M. Anne Katzenberg, Daniel W. Sellen
Summary: Maternal lactational investment can vary based on infant sex, with mothers of male chimpanzees showing higher levels of milk contribution and longer inter-birth intervals compared to mothers of female chimpanzees. This bias towards sons suggests potential greater maternal investment in male offspring and may ultimately lead to higher reproductive success and inclusive fitness for mothers.
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY AND SOCIOBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Amos K. Laar, Phyllis Addo, Richmond Aryeetey, Charles Agyemang, Francis Zotor, Gershim Asiki, Krystal K. Rampalli, Gideon S. Amevinya, Akua Tandoh, Silver Nanema, Akosua Pokua Adjei, Matilda E. Laar, Kobby Mensah, Dennis Laryea, Daniel Sellen, Stefanie Vandevijvere, Christopher Turner, Hibbah Osei-Kwasi, Mark Spires, Christine Blake, Dominic Rowland, Suneetha Kadiyala, Isabel Madzorera, Adama Diouf, Namukolo Covic, Isaac M. Dzudzor, Reginald Annan, Peiman Milani, John Nortey, Nicholas Bricas, Sukati Mphumuzi, Kenneth Yongabi Anchang, Ali Jafri, Meenal Dhall, Amanda Lee, Sally Mackay, Samuel O. Oti, Karen Hofman, Edward A. Frongillo, Michelle Holdsworth
Summary: This paper highlights the lack of research and policy action in Africa to improve food environments and reduce the intake of suboptimal diets and its adverse health outcomes. The dietary and nutrition transitions in Africa have led to changes in food environments and dietary behaviors, contributing to the complex burden of malnutrition-obesity and other diet-related noncommunicable diseases. Unhealthy or obesogenic food environments have been linked to suboptimal diets and associated adverse health outcomes. The paper emphasizes the urgent need for contextual evidence to motivate and enable supportive food environments in Africa for better population health.
ADVANCES IN NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Shane A. Norris, Catherine E. Draper, Alessandra Prioreschi, C. M. Smuts, Lisa Jayne Ware, CindyLee Dennis, Philip Awadalla, D. Bassani, Zulfiqar Bhutta, Laurent Briollais, D. William Cameron, Tobias Chirwa, B. Fallon, C. M. Gray, Jill Hamilton, J. Jamison, Heather Jaspan, Jennifer Jenkins, Kathleen Kahn, A. P. Kengne, Estelle Lambert, Naomi Levitt, Marie-Claude Martin, Michele Ramsay, Daniel Roth, Stephen Scherer, Daniel Sellen, Wiedaad Slemming, Deborah Sloboda, M. Szyf, Stephen Tollman, Mark Tomlinson, Suzanne Tough, Stephen G. Matthews, Linda Richter, Stephen Lye
Summary: The evolving burden of disease in South Africa poses challenges, including persistent infectious diseases, increasing obesity rates, especially among women, and rising non-communicable diseases. This study aims to improve the health and reduce the risk of obesity and non-communicable diseases in South African children by intervening during the preconception period and pregnancy, focusing on women's nutrition, physical and mental health, and health behaviors. It is the first individual randomized controlled trial in Africa to test the efficacy of a complex continuum of care intervention.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Iulia Badescu, David P. Watts, Cassandra Curteanu, Kelly J. Desruelle, Daniel W. Sellen
Summary: The interaction between infant feeding and maternal lactational physiology affects inter-birth intervals and maternal reproductive trade-offs. This study suggests that chimpanzee mothers maintain a fixed level of lactation effort over several years as infants increasingly supplement their energy and nutritional needs through independent foraging.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Alison Mildon, Jane Francis, Stacia Stewart, Bronwyn Underhill, Yi Man Ng, Christina Rousseau, Erica Di Ruggiero, Cindy-Lee Dennis, Alex Kiss, Deborah L. O'Connor, Daniel W. Sellen
Summary: This study aims to examine whether the use of expressed human milk in the first two weeks postpartum is associated with the cessation of human milk feeding and non-exclusive human milk feeding up to 6 months. The results show that the use of expressed human milk at 2 weeks postpartum is associated with the cessation of human milk feeding before 6 months and with non-exclusive human milk feeding to 4 months and 6 months.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Akua Tandoh, Richmond Aryeetey, Charles Agyemang, Michelle Holdsworth, Gershim Asiki, Francis Zotor, Kobby Mensah, Matilda E. Laar, Dennis Laryea, Daniel Sellen, Stefanie Vandevijvere, Amos Laar
Summary: This paper introduces the concept of the Africa Food Environment Research Network (FERN) initiative, which aims to enhance research capacity and collaboration in studying food environments in Africa. The initiative focuses on building research capacity, promoting partnerships, and addressing the current and future needs of food environment research and monitoring in Africa.
GLOBAL HEALTH PROMOTION
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Akosua Pokua Adjei, Gideon Senyo Amevinya, Wilhemina Quarpong, Akua Tandoh, Richmond Aryeetey, Michelle Holdsworth, Charles Agyemang, Francis Zotor, Matilda E. Laar, Kobby Mensah, Phyllis Addo, Dennis Laryea, Gershim Asiki, Daniel Sellen, Stefanie Vandevijvere, Amos Laar
Summary: This study reveals the widespread availability of ultra-processed foods in modern retail outlets in the selected districts. The majority of the foods sold were categorized as unhealthy, with a high proportion of processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages. The ratio of ultra-processed to unprocessed foods was 5:1, indicating a need for measures to improve the availability of healthy foods in supermarkets and mini-marts.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Alison Mildon, Jane Francis, Stacia Stewart, Bronwyn Underhill, Yi Man Ng, Christina Rousseau, Valerie Tarasuk, Erica Di Ruggiero, Cindy-Lee Dennis, Deborah L. O'Connor, Daniel W. Sellen
Summary: This study aimed to assess the prevalence, severity, and predictors of household food insecurity among vulnerable women accessing the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP), as well as the associations between household food insecurity and breastfeeding practices up to 6 months. The results showed that household food insecurity was highly prevalent among this cohort, affecting almost half of the participants. However, there was no significant association between food insecurity and continued or exclusive breastfeeding.
PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Anthropology
Beatrice Caffe, Aaron Blackwell, Bethaney D. Fehrenkamp, Janet E. Williams, Ryan M. Pace, Kimberly A. Lackey, Lorena Ruiz, Juan M. Rodriguez, Mark A. McGuire, James A. Foster, Daniel W. Sellen, Elizabeth W. Kamau-Mbuthia, Egidioh W. Kamundia, Samwel Mbugua, Sophie E. Moore, Andrew M. Prentice, Linda J. Kvist, Gloria E. Otoo, Rossina G. Pareja, Lars Bode, Dubale Gebeyehu, Debela K. Gindola, Sarah Boothman, Katherine Flores, Michelle K. McGuire, Courtney L. Meehan
Summary: By investigating the relationship between the concentrations of immune factors in breast milk and infant sex and maternal condition, this study found that IgG concentrations were influenced by maternal diet diversity, with lower concentrations in breast milk of women consuming diets with low diversity and male infants, providing minimal support for the Trivers-Willard hypothesis.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Iulia Badescu, Cassandra Curteanu, Daniel W. Sellen, David P. Watts, M. Anne Katzenberg
Summary: This study used stable isotopes to assess the feeding patterns of wild chimpanzee infants. By analyzing naturally shed hair, the researchers found that infants had the highest dependency on plant food at 1-2 years old, and started relying more heavily on plants from the age of 2. However, milk remained an important dietary component for older infants.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY
(2023)