effects of prolonged breast-feeding on the nutritional status of Saudi Arabian children

ABSTRACT

A retrospective study was made of 767 Saudi Arabia children's breast-feeding and weaning habits, and these were correlated with their states of nutrition. The total sample was survival for prevalence and duration of breast-feeding. Of the 767 children, 21.5% were breast-fed completely and 68.4% used mixed feeding [breast, bottle, and glass]. About 10% did not breast-feed. Breast-feeding was extended up to two years. A subsample of 538 was tested for anthropometric measurements and dietary adequacy of intake. Overall, the total subsample suffered some mild stunting, and all groups, both male and female, from 13-18 months up to 31-36 months were mildly stunted. Weight for higher for all age groups was normal except for mild wasting in the male 0-6 and 7-12 month groups, according to the US National Center for Health Statistics standard. Protein, calcium, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, and vitamin C were higher than the World Health Organization Recommended Daily Allowance, and calories and iron were significantly low for all age levels from birth to 30 years. The study showed that Saudi Arabia infants and children may suffer from mild malnutrition if the mother's milk is not enough for growth and development, and adequate supplementation is not provided