The growth rate, the feeding practices, and the dietary intake of Thai infants under 2 years--old in central Bangkok
Viseshakul, D.; Tanompech, P.
Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand 59(6): 257-263
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0125-2208 PMID: 965863 Document Number: 108020
Between January and March 1975 a total of 200 children randomly selected from an outpatients' clinic in Bangkok were studied. They were in 4 age groups of around 6 months, 12 months, 18 months and 2 years. Socioeconomic and anthropometric information was collected for each child with their daily protein and energy consumption determined by the 24-h recall method. Of the infants 78% were breast fed up to 1 month old. At 6 months, 44% of the children were breast fed, while a further 44% were given powdered milk and 12% sweetened condensed milk. At 2 years old, 9.1% of the children were breast fed, 14% were given powdered milk and 44% sweetened condensed milk. The mean values for weight at 6 months were comparable with the 50th percentile of the North American Standard, after which the mean weight fell to below the 3rd centile. Using Gomez's classification, the weight curve of those children given sweetened condensed milk fell into the first degree of malnutrition starting at 6 months. No difference in height was observed among the infants in all age groups given the 3 different milks. After about 6 months, mean head circumferences fell below the 50th percentile and flattened towards the 3rd percentile of the Nellhaus International and Interracial values. Lowest values were among those children given sweetened condensed milk. The energy deficiency compared with Thai Recommended Allowances was more critical than that of protein. In some cases, energy consumption was 20% of that recommended. There was no deficiency in animal protein intake, and the amount of protein contributed by rice in the supplementary foods was relatively constant in all age groups, 0.2 to 0.3 g/kg daily.