Energy and nutrient intake of infants and young children in pastoralist communities of Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE: Nutrient intake from complementary foods often is suboptimal in subsistent farming households of developing countries, but little is known about this in pastoralist communities. The aim of this study was to estimate the energy and nutrient intake of children ages 6 to 23 mo living in pastoralist communities of Ethiopia.

METHOD: As part of the Ethiopian National Food Consumption Survey, 24-h dietary recall data were collected through in-home interviews from a nationally representative sample. In the present study, we report on the feeding characteristics, energy and nutrient intake of infants and young children (ages 6-23 mo) living in pastoralist communities (N = 896) of Ethiopia. Energy and nutrient intakes were estimated and compared with estimated needs from complementary foods. The nutrient density of the complementary diets was compared with desired densities.

RESULTS: About one-third of the children were stunted. Diets were predominantly dairy and cereal-based. The dietary diversity score was low (2 ± 1.2). Consumption of nutrient-dense foods such as animal source foods (other than milk), vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables was very low. Energy intake from complementary foods were inadequate. Multiple micronutrient deficiencies including thiamin, niacin, iron, zinc, and calcium and in some instances vitamins A and C were observed in young children. The number of micronutrients for which intake was found deficient increased with child's age.

CONCLUSION: Energy and nutrient intakes from complementary foods are inadequate in pastoralist communities of Ethiopia. Interventions that improve knowledge and practice of complementary feeding are needed in this setting.