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To assess the vitamin D status in healthy 6‐month‐old infants, as well as vitamin D supplementation and feeding patterns in Guangzhou, China, serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentrations of 202 infants were measured at birth (cord blood) and at 6 months of age in Guangzhou, China. Questionnaires acquiring demographic characteristics, maternal and infantile vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy and first 6 months after birth, and feeding patterns during the first 6 months were completed by participating mothers. Physical examinations and blood sampling were carried out among infants at 6 months of age. The majority of infants (93.6%) were supplemented with vitamin D during the first 6 months of life on a voluntary basis. The M ± SD of cord serum 25OHD concentration was 46.2 ± 16.4 nmol/L, whereas the M ± SD of 25OHD concentration at 6 months was 82.9 ± 24.9 nmol/L. Serum 25OHD concentrations <30 nmol/L were seen in 34 (16.8%) infants at birth but only one (0.5%) at 6 months. Only 11 (5.4%) infants had concentrations >75 nmol/L at birth, whereas the majority of infants (n = 131, 64.9%) had concentrations >75 nmol/L at 6 months. The main predictors of 25OHD levels at 6 months included season, vitamin D supplementation, parental education level, and feeding patterns. To conclude, serum 25OHD concentrations were low at birth in a southern Chinese population, and infantile supplementation is an effective way to improve 25OHD status. Exclusively breastfed infants might need greater vitamin D supplementation, and individualized vitamin D supplementation plans might be needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gestational vitamin D insufficiency is related with increased risks of various diseases and poor health outcomes later in life. Telomere length at birth or early in life is known to be a predictor of individual health. Both vitamin D and telomere length are related with various health conditions, and vitamin D concentrations are associated with leukocyte telomere lengths in women. We investigated the association between maternal vitamin D concentrations and newborn leukocyte telomere lengths. This cross-sectional study included 106 healthy pregnant women without adverse obstetric outcomes and their offspring. We examined the maternal age, weight before pregnancy, health behaviours, and nutritional intakes, along with each newborn's sex and birthweight, and we measured maternal height, telomere length, total white blood cell count, and glycosylated haemoglobin as covariates. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated to evaluate the relationship between the baseline variables and newborn leukocyte telomere lengths. To confirm that there was an independent association between newborn leukocyte telomere lengths and maternal vitamin D concentrations, we performed a stepwise multiple linear regression analysis. Newborn leukocyte telomere lengths correlated positively with maternal leukocyte telomere lengths ( r = .76, p < .01), maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations ( r = .72, p < .01), maternal energy intakes ( r = .22, p = .03), and newborn body weights ( r = .51, p < .01). In the multivariate model, newborn leukocyte telomere lengths were associated with maternal vitamin D concentrations (β = .33, p < .01). These findings suggest that the maternal vitamin D concentration during pregnancy may be a significant determinant of the offspring's telomere length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premastication of infant food by caregivers is common in Laos. Premastication is hypothesized to have both positive and negative implications for children, but the net effect of premastication on child health and nutrition is largely unknown because of a lack of research. This study quantitatively describes premastication in 5 provinces of Laos and examines the associations between premastication and the length of young children. We analyzed cross-sectional data from the Laos 2015 Food and Nutrition Security Survey to characterize premastication among children under 2 years of age ( n = 1,661) and to test associations between premastication and child length-for-age z-score. We explored associations using multilevel mixed effects linear regression. Among children 0-23 months, 27.2% of mothers reported giving premasticated food in the past week. Receipt of premasticated food was inversely associated with length-for-age z-score after controlling for potential confounders (child's age, ethno-linguistic group, wealth, and parity) among children 6-13 months (β −0.36, CI [−0.68, −0.04]) and among children 14-23 months (β −0.43, CI [−0.81, −0.05]). For breastfed children 0-5 months who received complementary food, the coefficient was similar, but the association was not statistically significant (β −0.42, CI [−1.2, 0.37]). Premastication is a common feeding practice for children 0-23 months of age, and many infants consume premasticated food on a daily basis. There was a negative relationship between premastication and child length. However, given the cross-sectional nature of this study and potential unmeasured confounding factors, reverse causality or confounding cannot be ruled out. Longitudinal studies are needed to develop recommendations on premastication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin B6 is important in fetal development, but little is known of the vitamin B6 status of pregnant women and newborns in North America and potential modifying factors. This prospective study determined maternal and cord plasma concentrations of pyridoxal 5′ phosphate (PLP; an indicator of vitamin B6 status) in a convenience sample of 368 Canadian pregnant women and their newborns. The association of maternal intake of vitamin B6 and fetal genetic variants with cord plasma PLP and homocysteine concentrations was also examined. Dietary and supplemental intakes of vitamin B6 were assessed in early and mid to late pregnancy. PLP concentrations were measured in maternal plasma in early pregnancy and at delivery, and in cord plasma. Six fetal variants of the MTHFR and CβS genes were assessed for their association with cord plasma PLP and homocysteine concentrations. Geometric mean (95% CI) PLP concentrations were 107 (98, 116) nmol/L in early pregnancy and 58 (53, 62) nmol/L at delivery, respectively, and 296 (275, 319) nmol/L in cord blood ( p < .0001). During early pregnancy and at delivery, 3.6% and 5.5% of women had plasma PLP concentrations <20 nmol/L, respectively. Ninety eight percent of the women with supplemental B6 intake of at least the recommended dietary allowance had PLP concentrations >20 nmol/L. Fetal genetic variants were not associated with cord PLP and homocysteine concentrations. Vitamin B6 deficiency is uncommon in a cohort of Canadian pregnant women due largely to prevalent vitamin B6 supplement use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premixed flours for infant porridge are increasingly produced and sold in developing countries to complement continued breastfeeding. Such complementary food (CF) products have known efficacy against malnutrition in children from 6 to 24 months of age, but ingredient ratios and production processes may vary. This study provides the first systematic measurement of their actual nutrient composition. We purchased samples of 108 premixed CF products in 22 low- and middle-income countries, and commissioned blind laboratory measurement of each product's macronutrients and micronutrients. We compared measured contents to nutrient claims on their packaging and to CF standards from the Codex Alimentarius, the Super Cereal Plus product used in nutrition assistance programs, and the Lutter and Dewey (2003) recommendations, as well as our own modeled nutrient requirements for a healthy breastfed child. Actual densities are significantly different from nutrient claims for protein ( p = .013) and fat ( p = .000). Only 15% of samples met two of the three benchmarks for fat, 32% met the most stringent protein standard, while only 22% met them for iron, and 21% for zinc. The median healthy child consuming breast milk plus enough of these solid foods to meet energy needs would experience deficits of zinc at 6 months, iron at 6 and 9 months, and dietary fat from 12 months of age. In summary, premixed CF products can provide adequate nutrient density but usually do not, revealing the need and opportunity for independent monitoring and quality assurance to help grain millers making premixed foods maintain uniform ingredient ratios and production practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantitative analyses of the macronutrient content of eight popular commercial 'ready-to-feed' baby meals for 6-9-month old infants in the UK market have been undertaken in order to ascertain their nutritional suitability in relation to the total daily dietary intake as well as nutritional profiling of the products. The chemical analyses conducted included Kjeldhal for protein, acid hydrolysis and extraction for fat, phenol sulphuric acid for carbohydrate and Association of Official Analytical Chemists 985.29 for fibre. The only difference found between different varieties (meat- and vegetable-based) was with respect to the protein content ( P = 0.04) per 100 g of food. The experimentally determined concentrations of macronutrients (g/100 kcal) were compared with the declared values provided by the manufacturers on the product labels and, despite some variations, the values obtained comply with regulatory requirements ( Commission Directive 2006/125/ EC). The total daily intake of fat (27.0 g per day) - based on the menu composed from commercial complementary food - is suggested to exceed the daily recommended values for fat (31%), if the intake of snacks and desserts are incorporated. These findings imply that the formulation of recipes, based on a standard commercial menu, is an important consideration in relation to the nutritional quality of the diet of infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, a full fat soy powder mixed with multiple micronutrient powders ( Ying Yang Bao (YYB)) was developed, and the efficacy of YYB was shown in controlling anaemia and improving child growth and development. However, prior to 2008, there was no sustainable way to provide YYB to vulnerable populations, except through free distribution by the government. This study was to test the concept of public-private partnership (PPP) to deliver YYB and to evaluate the effectiveness of marketing YYB through PPP. Programme activities included development of a complementary food supplement (CFS) national standard, product concept test, product development and marketing, behavior change communication, monitoring and evaluation. Baseline and end-line surveys were used to evaluate product awareness, purchasing and the impacts of the project on anaemia and feeding practices. A Chinese CFS standard was approved. Caregivers and their 6- to-24-month-old children participated in the baseline ( n = 226) and the end-line survey ( n = 221). A concept test at the baseline survey showed that 78% of caregivers were willing to buy YYB at 0.1 USD. After developing the product and implementing the intervention for 8 months, 59.6% of surveyed caregivers purchased YYB. While not significant, the prevalence of anaemia was marginally lower at the end line (28.8%) than at the baseline (36.2%). For those purchasing YYB, the risk of anaemia was significantly reduced by 87% of odds ( P < 0.009). The end-line survey found that feeding practices had improved significantly following the intervention. An enabling policy and regulatory environment in which CFSs are defined and parameters for appropriate marketing are identified as a prerequisite for marketing YYB or other nutritious CFS. Public and private advocacy and marketing could successfully increase awareness of YYB and access and use through market channels. The YYB project may be effective for reducing anaemia and improving feeding practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children generally show poor growth. Episodes of diarrhoea and pneumonia in HIV-infected children are thought to be more severe than in HIV-uninfected children. The objective of this study was to compare duration of hospitalization, appetite and nutritional status of HIV-infected children with that of uninfected children. A cross-sectional study was performed on children (2-24 months) admitted with diarrhoea or pneumonia to the university hospital. Children were tested for HIV, and the duration of hospitalization was noted for 189 children. Follow-up for blood analysis ( n = 154) and appetite measurement ( n = 48) was performed 4-8 weeks after discharge. Appetite was measured as ad libitum intake of a commercial infant cereal using highly standardized procedures. Hospitalization (in days) was significantly longer in HIV-infected children; among children admitted with diarrhoea (5.9 ± 1.9 vs. 3.8 ± 1.5) (mean ± standard deviation) and with pneumonia (9.0 ± 2.5 vs. 5.9 ± 1.9). Serum zinc, iron and transferrin concentrations, and haemoglobin levels were significantly lower in HIV-infected children compared with uninfected children. Appetites [amounts eaten (g) per kg body weight] of HIV-infected children were significantly poorer than those of HIV-uninfected children (18.6 ± 5.8 vs. 25.2 ± 7.4). The eating rates (g min) of HIV-infected children were also slower (17.6 ± 6.2 vs. 10.1 ± 3.7) Mean Z-scores for length-for-age were significantly lower among HIV-infected children compared with HIV-uninfected children. Weight-for-length Z-scores were not significantly different. In summary, HIV-infected children had a 55% longer duration of hospitalization and a 21% lower appetite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the nutritional status of lactating women with regard to vitamins A and E and the relationship between dietary intake and concentrations in serum and milk. A longitudinal study was conducted with 43 women at a hospital in northeastern Brazil. Blood and milk samples and food intake recalls were obtained at three moments during the breastfeeding period. Retinol and alpha‐tocopherol were analysed by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Dietary inadequacy was analysed according to the estimated average requirement, with intrapersonal variation adjusted by the multiple source method. Food intake was classified by quartiles of consumption. Serum retinol was 1.65 μmol/L, with 5% of low concentrations (<0.7 μmol/L) at the first collection. Serum alpha‐tocopherol decreased from 30.18 to 25.49 μmol/L at the third collection (P = 0.008), with an increase in the percentage frequency of deficiency (<12 μmol/L). Both vitamins maintained stable concentrations in milk at the different collection times, and the overall dietary inadequacy of vitamins A and E was 58% and 100%, respectively. There was a correlation only between vitamin A intake and serum retinol (r = 0.403, P = 0.007), and higher retinol concentrations were found in women classified in the highest consumption quartile (P = 0.031). Over the course of lactation, there was a high degree of inadequacy in vitamin intake and a reduction in serum alpha‐tocopherol, whereas its concentrations in milk remained unchanged. Dietary intake of vitamin A has been shown to influence serum retinol, which underscores the importance of adequate nutrition and monitoring of vitamin deficiency during lactation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring pregnancy weight can reduce excess gestational weight gain (GWG), and is recommended in clinical practice guidelines as part of routine care. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of routine weight monitoring using a pregnancy weight gain chart (PWGC), and assess health care professionals (HCPs) and pregnant women's attitudes and practices around its use. A semiquantitative survey was conducted with a consecutive sample of antenatal women at 16 and 36 weeks gestation. Women were weighed, and a PWGC audit done at 36 weeks gestation to assess adherence to chart use and GWG. A cross‐sectional survey of antenatal HCPs at the Australian facility assessed staff attitudes and practices relating to weight monitoring and PWGC use. Of the 291 women surveyed, 68% reported being given a PWGC. Of the audited PWGCs (n = 258), 54% had less than three weights recorded, 36% had errors, and 3% were unused. All HCPs surveyed (n = 42) were aware of the PWGC, 63% reported using it to track GWG regularly and 26% believed it to be only the woman's responsibility (i.e., not the midwife's role) to complete it. Seventy‐six percent reported they needed more training in counselling pregnant women, and insufficient time was a main barrier to weighing and conversing with women. It is feasible to implement a PWGC into routine antenatal care. Clarity over women's and HCPs responsibility for monitoring GWG and completion of the PWGC is needed. Training on correct PWGC use and counselling and workforce engagement are required to overcome barriers and support healthy GWG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin D deficiency has adverse health effects in young children. Our aims were to determine predictors of vitamin D status and then to use these factors to develop a practical tool to predict low 25(OH)D concentrations in preschool New Zealand children. A cross-sectional sample of 1329 children aged 2 to <5 years were enrolled from throughout New Zealand in late-winter to spring 2012. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) was measured on dried blood spot (DBS) samples collected using finger-prick sampling. Caregivers completed a questionnaire. Mean (SD) DBS 25(OH)D concentration was 52(19)nmol/L. 25(OH)D < 25 nmol/L was present in 86(7%), 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L in 642(48%), 25(OH)D 50- < 75 nmol/L in 541(41%) and 25(OH)D > 75 nmol/L in 146(11%) of children. Factors independently associated with the risk of 25(OH)D < 25 nmol/L were female gender (OR 1.92,95%CI 1.17-3.14), other non-European ethnicities (not including Māori or Pacific) (3.51,1.89-6.50), had olive-dark skin colour (4.52,2.22-9.16), did not take vitamin D supplements (2.56,1.06-6.18), had mothers with less than secondary-school qualifications (5.00,2.44-10.21) and lived in more deprived households (1.27,1.06-1.53). Children who drank toddler milk (vitamin D fortified cow's milk formula marketed to young children) had a zero risk of 25(OH)D < 25 nmol/L. The predictive tool identified children at risk of 25(OH)D < 25 nmol/L with sensitivity 42%, specificity 97% and ROC area-under-curve 0.76(95%CI 0.67-0.86, p < 0.001). Predictors of low vitamin D status were consistent with those identified in previous studies of New Zealand children. The tool had insufficient predictive ability for use in clinical situations, and suggests a need to promote safe, inexpensive testing to determine vitamin D status in preschool children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is recommended that infants from the age of 12 months should be weaned from bottles. However, an overwhelming proportion of young children were still using bottle after the recommended age of bottle-weaning. This cross-sectional study examined the association between utensils for milk drinking and food group consumption, growth and socio-demographic characteristics among young children. Data from the Survey of Infant and Young Child Feeding in Hong Kong were analyzed for 649 children aged 18-48 months old. Dietary outcomes were obtained via 3-day dietary records, while utensils for milk drinking and socio-demographic characteristics were collected from a self-developed questionnaire. Length/height and weight of the children were measured by the nurses. Results showed that daily consumption of formula milk was significantly greater among bottle users or bottle plus cup users than non-bottle users ( p < 0.05). Exclusive bottle users had significantly lower intakes of meat and meat alternatives than bottle plus cup users for the 18 to 24-month group ( p = 0.001) and lower intakes of fruits than non-bottle users in the 48-month group ( p = 0.015). BMI z-score was significantly higher for exclusive bottle users than non-bottle users, even after adjusting for socio-economic factors and child's age ( p = 0.006). The results showed that the milk drinking utensil was associated with the amount of formula milk and food group consumption as well as BMI z-score. There is a need to actively discourage prolonged bottle use in order to help young children develop good dietary habits. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nipple pain and damage are commonly experienced by breastfeeding women and are associated with negative breastfeeding outcomes. Health care providers often recommend the application of lanolin to treat painful/damaged nipples, yet no randomized controlled trial has evaluated the effectiveness of lanolin on nipple pain and breastfeeding outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of lanolin on nipple pain among breastfeeding women with damaged nipples. A randomized, single-blind, controlled trial was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Breastfeeding women ( N = 186) identified as having nipple pain/damage were randomized to apply lanolin (intervention group; n = 93) or to receive usual postpartum care (control group; n = 93). The primary outcome was nipple pain at 4 days post-randomization measured by the Numeric Rating Scale. Additional outcomes included nipple pain measured by the Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire, breastfeeding duration/exclusivity, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and maternal satisfaction with lanolin treatment versus usual care. The results revealed no significant group differences in mean pain scores at 4 days post-randomization. Women in both groups experienced clinically relevant decreases in nipple pain by 7 days post-randomization. Significantly, more women in the lanolin group reported that they were satisfied with treatment compared with those receiving usual care. No significant group differences were found for other secondary outcomes. While more women were satisfied using lanolin, its application to sore/damaged nipples was ineffective for reducing nipple pain or improving breastfeeding outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety, affect approximately 16% of pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries. Food insecurity (FI) has been shown to be associated with depressive symptoms. It has also been suggested that the association between FI and depressive symptoms is moderated by social support (SS); however, there is limited evidence of these associations among pregnant women living in low-income and middle-income countries. We studied the association between FI and depressive symptoms severity and assessed whether such an association varied among Ugandan pregnant women with low vs. high SS. Cross-sectional data were collected among 403 pregnant women in northern Uganda. SS was assessed using an eight-item version of the Duke-UNC functional SS scale. FI and depressive symptoms were assessed by, respectively, the individually focused FI scale and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale. Women were categorized into two SS groups, based on scoring < or ≥ to the median SS value. Multivariate linear regression models indicated an independent association between FI and depressive symptoms severity. The association between FI and depressive symptoms severity was moderated by SS i.e. was stronger among women in the low SS category (adjusted beta (95%CI): 0.91 (0.55; 1.27)) than for women belonging to the high SS group (0.53 (0.28; 0.78)) (adjusted p value for interaction = 0.026). There is need for longitudinal or interventional studies among pregnant women living in northern Uganda or similar contexts to examine the temporal sequence of the associations among food insecurity, depressive symptoms severity and social support. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]