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The complementary feeding period is a critical stage of child development when micronutrient needs are high and challenging to meet. Understanding if specific micronutrient gaps exist during this period is critical for effective programming. A Comprehensive Nutrient Gap Assessment (CONGA) was conducted in seven countries in Southeast Asia to estimate gaps in micronutrients commonly lacking in the diets of children aged 6–23 months and to establish the certainty of available evidence for each identified gap. Sixty‐eight evidence sources were identified during this analysis, and 310 micronutrient‐specific data points were identified across all seven countries. Data points varied in recency, representativeness and evidence type. The CONGA methodology enabled the estimation of a gap burden rating for each micronutrient in each country, as well as a rating of their evidence certainty. Micronutrient gaps were identified in vitamin D, zinc and iron and a potential gap was identified in calcium during the complementary feeding period in the region. Evidence relevant to intake and deficiency of folate, vitamin B12, thiamine, niacin, vitamin C and vitamin B6 was limited across the region. Proven strategies to address these gaps include increasing the availability and consumption of nutrient‐dense foods, micronutrient supplementation, large‐scale fortification of staple foods and condiments and point‐of‐use fortification through multiple micronutrient powders and fortified speciality foods. More recent data on micronutrient availability, intake and deficiency is urgently needed in Southeast Asia. Key messages: Older infants and young children aged 6–23 months experience micronutrient gaps during the complementary feeding period in Southeast Asia. Synthesis of evidence compiled across seven countries in the region identified gaps in vitamin D, zinc and iron and a potential gap in calcium during this critical period.National nutrition policies and programmes should consider multiple strategies to address these micronutrient gaps.Over half of the data points relevant to nutrient deficiency and intake compiled from the seven countries are over a decade old. More recent data on micronutrient availability, intake and deficiency is urgently needed in Southeast Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Southeast Asia, the increasing availability of commercially produced complementary foods (CPCF), including dry or instant cereals (CPCF cereals), has been noted, however, concerns exist around their nutrient profile and labelling practices. This 2021 study assessed the nutrient composition, labelling practices, and micronutrient content of CPCF cereals sold in the capital cities of seven Southeast Asian countries: Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Jakarta (Indonesia), Manila (Philippines), Bangkok (Thailand), Vientiane (Lao PDR), Hanoi (Vietnam), and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). The study adapted a nutrient profiling model from the WHO Regional Office for Europe to determine the proportion of products suitable for promotion for older infants and young children. Micronutrient content of fortified CPCF cereals was assessed against fortification levels specified in the Codex Alimentarius guideline for formulated complementary foods. Of the 484 products assessed, 184 (38.0%) met all nutrient composition requirements. Around one‐third of CPCF cereals contained added sugars and/or sweeteners (37.2%) and high levels of sodium (28.9%). None of the CPCF cereals met all labelling requirements, primarily due to the presence of inappropriate claims on the labels. Most fortified CPCF cereals contained adequate amounts of critical micronutrients, such as calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin D. However, rates of fortification varied across the seven countries, and almost a third (30.8%) of CPCF cereals were not fortified with any micronutrients. To support the appropriate promotion of CPCF in the region, Southeast Asian countries need to strengthen and enforce national binding legal measures, including national standards for the composition, labelling, and fortification of CPCF cereals. Key messages: Despite most commercially produced complementary foods (CPCF) cereals available in Southeast Asia met the majority of nutrient composition requirements, a considerable number of products contained added sugars/sweeteners (37.2%) and high levels of sodium (28.9%). Regulations that prohibit the use of added sugars/sweeteners and establish an upper limit for sodium in CPCF cereals are a policy priority in the region.None of the 484 CPCF cereals studied met all labelling requirements. Inappropriate claims were the most common. Three‐quarters of the products failed to meet labelling requirements on the protection and promotion of breastfeeding. National regulations on labelling must be strengthened and enforced to protect against inappropriate marketing of CPCF.Approximately two‐thirds or more of fortified CPCF cereals contained adequate amounts of micronutrients critical for older infants and young children (IYC), such as calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin A and vitamin D. Nonetheless, the fortification of CPCF cereals varied greatly by country, and almost a third (30.8%) of CPCF cereals were not fortified with any micronutrients. This is a missed opportunity to provide essential micronutrients to older IYC in contexts where nutrient‐poor diets are common. Future policies that stipulate mandatory minimum micronutrient levels for CPCF cereals are recommended for the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ensuring consumption of nutrient‐dense, safe and appropriate complementary foods among older infants and young children (IYC) 6–36 months of age is critical for enabling optimal growth and development. The ubiquitous availability of and high demand for commercially packaged snack foods has culminated in a growing trend of snack food products specifically produced and promoted for older IYC. Commercially produced complementary foods (CPCF) that are finger foods/snacks often contain added sugars, excessive sodium content and high total sugar content, making them inappropriate for this young population. This study benchmarked the nutrient composition and labelling practices of CPCF finger foods/snacks available for purchase in seven countries in Southeast Asia. The study adapted a nutrient profiling model from the WHO Regional Office for Europe to determine the proportion of products suitable for promotion for older IYC. Of the total 606 products identified, 8.2% were automatically categorized as not suitable because they were confectionery items. Of the remaining 556 products assessed, over 85% failed to meet all nutrient composition requirements, with the presence of added sugars/sweeteners and excessive sodium and total sugar contents the primary reasons for failure. Products also demonstrated concerning labelling practices, with all of the products (98.6%) displaying an inappropriate claim on the label. These findings reveal major concerns with the nutrient composition and labelling practices of CPCF finger foods/snacks in the SEA region and should serve as an alarm bell for regulatory action. National binding legal measures, such as mandatory standards for composition and labelling are urgently needed. Key messages: CPCF finger foods/snacks made up 18‐45% of CPCF products across the seven countries, indicating a normalization of commercially packaged, processed snacks products in older IYC diets.Over 85% of products failed to meet all nutrient composition requirements. Three‐quarters contained added sugars/sweeteners, half high total sugar, and half excessive levels of sodium, indicating that most products are not nutritionally appropriate for this young age group.No CPCF finger foods/snacks met all labelling requirements and most displayed inappropriate claims. With nearly all products containing excessive levels of total sugar, added sugar or sodium, use of persuasive claims on these products is alarming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercially produced complementary foods (CPCF), including ready‐to‐eat CPCF purées and meals, are gaining popularity among caregivers of older infants and young children (IYC) as a convenient alternative to home‐prepared foods in low and middle‐income countries. However, there is growing concern regarding the suitability of these products for older IYC, as they can contain high levels of sugar and/or sodium. Given the rapidly evolving market in Southeast Asia, it is crucial to monitor the appropriate composition and promotion of CPCF in the region. This study examined the nutrient composition and labelling practices of CPCF purées and meals sold in 2021 in the capital cities of seven Southeast Asian countries: Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Jakarta (Indonesia), Manila (Philippines), Bangkok (Thailand), Vientiane (Lao PDR), Hanoi (Viet Nam), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). The study adapted a nutrient profiling model from the WHO Regional Office for Europe to determine the proportion of products suitable for promotion for older IYC. The proportion of CPCF purées and meals that would require a high sugar front‐of‐pack warning based on the percentage energy from total sugar was also determined. Of the 459 CPCF purées/meals assessed, only 37.7% of the products met all nutrient composition requirements and none met all labelling requirements. In addition, most CPCF purées and meals were identified as having high total sugar content. To ensure that older IYC consume appropriate CPCF products, Southeast Asian countries need to implement and enforce regulations concerning the nutrient composition and labelling practices of CPCF purées and meals. Key messages: Only one‐third of CPCF purées/meals were identified as nutritionally suitable for promotion for older IYC, with performance varying by sub‐category, and over three‐quarters of products contained high levels of total sugar.None of the CPCF purées/meals presented fully appropriate labelling practices, with the use of inappropriate claims the most prevalent issue. Further, one‐third of products recommended an age of introduction of less than 6 months.To ensure that CPCF purées/meals sold in Southeast Asia have appropriate nutrient composition and labelling practices, it is essential that national standards are in accordance with global guidance and enforced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insufficient quantity and inadequate quality of foods in early life are key causes of all forms of malnutrition. Identification of nutrient and dietary gaps in the diets of infants and young children is essential to inform policies and programs designed to improve child diets. A Comprehensive Nutrient Gap Assessment was used to assess the public health significance of nutrient gaps during the complementary feeding period and to identify evidence gaps in 6 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa. Important gaps were identified in iron, vitamin A, zinc, and calcium and, to a lesser extent, vitamin B12 and folate. The best whole-food sources of these micronutrients available in part or all of the countries studied include beef liver, chicken liver, small dried fish, beef, and eggs. Investment is needed in many countries to collect data on micronutrient biomarkers and dietary intake. Strategic actions to improve child diets will require engagement and intervention across relevant systems to accelerate progress on improving the diets of infants and young children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of stunting in Sub-Saharan Africa has changed little since 2000, and the number of stunted children has increased. In contrast, Ethiopia is an example where the national stunting prevalence and number of stunted children have decreased consistently. We compare regional differences and temporal patterns in stunting with large-scale program coverage to identify where and when programs may have led to reductions in stunting. Data from three national demographic and health surveys and population statistics illustrate, at the regional level, where and when the prevalence and number of stunted children changed since 2000. Reports from large-scale nutrition and health programs were used to identify ecologic associations between geographic program coverage and reductions in stunting. From 2000 to 2005, the decline in the national stunting prevalence was mainly a result of reductions in Oromiya, SNNP and Tigray. Few nutrition programs had high coverage during this time, and economic growth may have contributed to stunting reduction by increasing household wealth and investments in sanitation. From 2005 to 2011, declines in stunting prevalence in Amhara, SNNP, Somali and Oromiya were largely responsible for national reductions. Numerous programs were implemented at scale and could have plausibly improved stunting. While ecologic relationships suggest that economic growth and large-scale programs may have contributed to the reduction in stunting in Ethiopia, stunting did not decrease in all regions despite increased program coverage expansion of the health system. Additional impact evaluations are needed identify the most effective programs to accelerate the reduction in the prevalence and number of stunted children. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]