Jessica mas dieta12/17/2023 ![]() In Mexico, less than 60% of children between six and eight months of age in rural communities consume a diet that meets nutritional recommendations 15. It has been associated with nutritional adaptation, availability of foods in the home, and better food habits in adults 14. Scientific evidence considers it a factor that protects against growth failure, a frequent nutritional problem in the country. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the WHO, dietary diversity is a qualitative measure of food consumption that reflects household access to food and is a key factor for ensuring adequate consumption of nutrients and health promotion 13. ![]() Ideally, the child should have access to a diverse diet. Introducing children to the family diet is recommended at 12 months of age when the development of the nervous, digestive and renal system is similar to that of the adult 12 in other words, when the child is capable of consuming something from most food groups. Mexico ranks first in childhood obesity 10, a situation that occurs at a young age and is associated with short stature, a hypothesis that has been tested in several studies 11. These are crucial moments in which there could be a stunting because of an inadequate nutritional intake or the development of overweight due to an excessive or hypercaloric intake 9. As shown, this period represents a key moment in the establishment of eating patterns. Likewise, the introduction of foods will influence the acquisition of abilities that facilitate a smooth transition from total dependence on the parents to self-feeding, such as chewing, using a spoon and cup, etc. The way the mother starts CF will determine the contribution of energy and nutrients to the child's growth and development without weaning, a situation that can prevent or favor iron and zinc deficiency, foment or not the inherent ability of the child to control food intake as well as determine the pleasure or displeasure for different food flavors, smells, and textures 8. The age when complementary feeding (CF) is introduced is a particularly important moment in the child's development 7. Furthermore, the absence of EBF, especially in low-income families, impacts the family's economy due to the need to buy maternal milk substitutes 6. It has also been associated with chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity in childhood 1. ![]() As has been reported, the lack of EBF in the first months of life increases the probability of introducing foods prematurely, increasing the risk of allergies and infectious diseases 5. ![]() In Mexico, according to the National Survey of Health and Nutrition 2012 (ENSANUT 2012), the percentage of EBF in children less than six months of age has declined to 14.4% in comparison to 22.3% reported in 2006 4. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) up to six months of age followed by the introduction of safe and appropriate foods for this age, maintaining BF for two years or beyond 3. The multiple benefits that breastfeeding (BF) provides to the mother and child affect the immune nutritional, body, and psychological status of the child, and has economic advantages also 2. If they are adequate, the child's growth will be healthy if they are not, it will hinder growth and the consequences will extend into adult life 1. Childhood food practices directly impact a child's nutritional status and health. ![]()
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