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Mathematical modeling to inform the development of national guidelines on infant feeding in Thailand.

Authors :
Chittchang U
Rojroongwasiukul N
Winnichagoon P
Watson L
Ferguson E
Source :
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences [Ann N Y Acad Sci] 2022 May; Vol. 1511 (1), pp. 142-153. Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Jan 21.
Publication Year :
2022

Abstract

The development of national dietary guidelines promoting healthy food choices is a public health priority in Thailand. In developing the recent national complementary feeding guidelines (CFGs) for 6- to 12-month-old children, mathematical modeling was used to inform decisions. Model parameters were derived from nationally representative dietary data and analyzed for 11 micronutrients by age group, using linear programming analysis in Optifood. Models were run to identify micronutrients whose nutrient reference values could not be met using local foods as consumed (problem nutrients), evaluate the original 2012 Thai CFGs, and predict the nutritional benefits of a specific fortified complementary food. The results identified three problem nutrients (iron, calcium, and zinc), which, for 9- to 11-month-olds, were reduced to one when the fortified food was modeled. The number of servings/week of vegetables and meat, fish or eggs were higher, and of oil and fruit were lower, in the modeled nutritionally best rather than observed diets (medians). When modeled, the original Thai CFGs were not feasible because the energy constraint was exceeded; hence, in revising them, the recommended number of servings/week of oil and fruit were reduced. This study demonstrates the advantages of using mathematical modeling, when revising national CFGs, to evaluate and improve them.<br /> (© 2022 The Authors. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of New York Academy of Sciences.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1749-6632
Volume :
1511
Issue :
1
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
35061914
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.14738