| Abstrakt: |
Background: Globally, dietary pattern and nutritional status in infancy and childhood have also undergone series of major shifts with corresponding nutrition-related diseases; an emerging concept referred to as 'Nutrition Transition' Objective: This review of literature aimed at synthesizing various documentations and findings from previous studies regarding transition in childhood feeding practices globally and identify associated factors with a view to making appropriate recommendations towards effective strategy in ensuring optimal nutrition during childhood. Methods: Using data obtained from Cochrane, PUBMED and Medline search engines, a review of findings from previous studies was undertaken to identify variations and pattern in nutrition transition in infancy and factors associated with infant feeding practices. Result: Findings showed that the proportion of infants who are appropriately breastfed according to lay down recommendations across regions of the world declined significantly (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention CDC, 2018). This changing pattern in nutrition has also been observed among different income groups in developing countries where the existence of the multiple problems of food insecurity, malnutrition, and related diseases have been reported. Findings also demonstrated an emerging concept known as nutrition transition which involve shift towards diets dominated by higher intakes of sugar, high fats diets and lower intakes of fiber and reduced activity patterns (Popkin, 2006). This changing pattern in feeding practices has been associated with severe nutritional challenges in infancy and childhood. Conclusion: The emerging trend of double burden of malnutrition in childhood comprising of under-nutrition with micronutrient deficiencies observed in developed and developing world predisposes infants and young children to diseases, disabilities and death. Nutritional intervention based on appropriate theory of behaviour change has been suggested as a novel strategy for promoting effective feeding behaviors during childhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
