Response of growth and hematological indices to different feeding patterns in infants supported by nutrition education

ABSTRACT

In the present study, response of growth and heamatological indices in infants 5-12 months [mo], to different feeding patterns supported by nutrition education was evaluated. A sample of 121 infants-frequent visitors of Banha health care centers-were classified into four groups; group one [23.0%] was breast-fed; group two [27.0%] was breast-fed supplemented with formula; group three [31.0%] was fed on fortified formula and group four [19.0%] was fed on unfortified formula. The study period lasted for 16 weeks [wk], started with nutrition education [at wk 1] on proper breast feeding practice and proper method of formula preparation. Data collected included infants' weight, length and frequency of infection. Blood was collected at wk I and 16 for haematological assessment and maternal data were collected as well. Results of the study revealed low income and education levels of mothers. About 40% of them did not get iron supplement during pregnancy. High percentages of infants were stunted and wasted and 21.5% of them had low birth weight [<2.5 kg]. In this study, significant weight and length increments were achieved. Haematological indices in infants were significantly enhanced as well. At the beginning of the study [wk 1], all the infants had hemoglobin concentrations<12 g/dL [levels ranged from 10.68 g/dL for unfortified formula-fed infants to 11.64 g/dL for fortified formula-fed infants]; while at wk 16 the levels were 11.26 to 11.96 g/dL. Percentages of transferring saturation [TS%] were 15.6 to 19.7 and 17 to 20.97 at weeks 1 and 16 respectively. Anaemia indices [Hb<11 g/dL and TS<15%] was indicated in 26.0% of the infants and decreased by about 50% at the end of the study. The frequency of diarrhea and lower respiratory tract infection reported by infants' mothers was quiet high, proper nourishing infants markedly reduced frequency of illness. The current study revealed that nutrition education to mothers supporting the infants' feeding patterns significantly improved both growth and haematological indices of their infants. The study recommended that nutrition counselling and intervention programs on large scale, especially in low socioeconomic areas should be conducted by the local health authorities to allow normal growth rates of infants and protect them from iron deficiency anemia