Infant fortified cereals (IFC) in a Syrian paediatric population

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Bozo, M.^a | Al-Abdeh, R.^a

Affiliations: [a] P.O. Box 6665, Damascus, Syria. e-mail: mahbozo@scs-net.org

Abstract: Objective: This research was performed in order to define the prevalence of the introduction of infant fortified cereals (IFC) in the first year of life and the practical aspects of IFC preparation and practices. Materials and methods: A prospective study was conducted in Damascus Hospital in the emergency room. A sample of 100 children was studied over a period of five months from February 2008 to June 2008. The information was gathered using a questionnaire. Results: It was observed that IFC had been introduced in 50% of the sample; 94% of mothers had introduced IFC before the 6th month of age. The role of doctors in the prescription was limited to only 18%. Mothers' estimation in preparing the IFC meals was incorrect in 96% of the sample and 76% of the errors were intentional; 54% added other ingredients and 7.4% prepared the meal with tea. Conclusions: IFC were consumed by 50% of the sample. Many errors were made in the preparation of IFC. Much effort is required in the future to improve children's nutrition.

Keywords: Infant, Cereals, Fortification, Error

DOI: 10.3233/s12349-009-0034-x

Journal: Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 37-40, 2009