Late introduction and poor diversity were the main weaknesses of complementary foods in a cohort study in rural Burkina Faso.

Objective: In developing countries, the complementary feeding period is critical to the growth of children, notably because of inappropriate complementary feeding practices. A longitudinal study was carried out in a food vulnerable area in Burkina Faso to better understand and describe these practices.

Methods: A cohort of 114 children was followed at the ages of 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 24 mo. At each visit details on the complementary foods (CF) were recorded and intakes were measured by direct weighing.

Results: At 6 mo of age all infants were breastfed and 61% were still breastfed at 24 mo. Infants not receiving any CF were 97% at enrollment, 53% at 9 mo, and 11% at 12 mo (mean age of introduction = 9.2 +/- 1.7 mo). Porridge was the type of CF introduced first (46%) but was of poor diversity; special dishes were less often given but did contain more numerous ingredients. However, less than half of the children received the recommended minimum of four different food groups/d before being 2 y old. At 12 mo and after, more than 75% of the children had at least 3 meals/d. Quantities of CF consumed increased from 133 +/- 121 g/d (19 +/- 17 g per kg of body weight/d) at 9 mo to 480 +/- 237 g/d (49 +/- 25 g/kg/d) at 24 mo (for breastfed children).

Conclusion: Late introduction of CF and poor diversity of ingredients, more than quantity of food, were the main weaknesses observed in this context. At least part of these issues can be addressed through educational activities.