Estado nutricional nos primeiros anos de vida: a importância da alimentação complementar

Abstract

Complementary Feeding (CA) is the period where infants gradually receive other foods, since breast milk alone is no longer sufficient to meet all nutritional needs. In this period the child is rapidly growing and developing, the role of nutrients is crucial, including as a way to establish the child's current eating habits in the present and future. So, the objectives were to assess how and when complementary feeding (CA) started, CA profile, consumption of industrialized foods and the nutritional status of children aged 1-3 years. The sample consisted of 79 children with aged 1-3 years, enrolled in public schools in Pelotas/RS. Height/Age, Weight/Age and BMI/Age (WHO, 2006) were evaluated, and a questionnaire was applied to parents/caregivers. CA was considered early when it started ˂ six months, at the recommended age = six months and late when ≥ eight months. The data were presented in a descriptive. 16.5% of the children were considered overweight and 7.6% obese, according to BMI/A, and 13.9% of excess of weight for age, according to weight/A. The mean age for started CA was 5.3 months. The last food offered was meat. Before six months, 43% received gelatin and 12.7% juice. Between six months and two years, 96.2% received biscuit and 91.1% salty snacks.