FOOD DIVERSITY VERSUS BREAST-FEEDING CHOICE IN DETERMINING ANTHROPOMETRIC STATUS IN RURAL KENYAN TODDLERS

Background Prolonged breastfeeding in developing countries is routinel y recommended as a valuable and cast-effective public health measure t o promote early childhood growth. However, the effects of breastfeedin g beyond 12 months are unclear, with some studies showing positive, an d some showing negative effects. The role of complementary foods for c hildren 1-3 years has been less studied.Methods We examined feeding be haviour and illness data in relation to anthropometric status among 15 4 rural western Kenyan children, aged 12-36 months. Results There was Little difference in anthropometric status between partially breastfed and fully weaned children. Rather, dietary diversity (number of diffe rent foods consumed) was strongly and consistently related to anthropo metric status in this age group. In addition, early complementation wi th starchy gruels was associated with stunting. Conclusions Public hea lth efforts which focus only on prolonged breastfeeding (>12 months) i n developing countries will not ensure adequate early childhood growth . important complementary feeding recommendations that promote diet di versity, through the inclusion of a variety of foods in the diets of c hildren in the 1-3 year age group, are needed.