Complementary feeding and future health in Mexico. Introduction to the XI Nestlé Nutrition Conference

Abstract

Nutrition in infancy provides an important window of opportunity to shape good health during childhood and adult life. The objective of this manuscript is to provide an introduction to the review articles that bring together the proceedings of the XI Nestlé Nutrition Conference “Complementary Feeding: A Piece of the Puzzle to Understand Future Health”. The studies and description of complementary feeding practices in Mexico, from the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012 (ENSANUT 2012), support the urgent need for strong policy actions to promote healthy eating and appropriate complementary feeding practices. Early interventions considering a life course approach and maternal and child nutrition are essential to prevent obesity, chronic disease and to ensure better health for the Mexican population.

Breastfeeding and Gestational Diabetes: Overview in México

“…and by the year of 2018, a recovery of all breastfeeding indicators was reported, with a prevalence of 28.6% for exclusive breastfeeding. 15 Exclusive breastfeeding is defined as the practice of only feeding breast milk to an infant for the first 6 months of life (without the addition of any other type of food or water); such practice has the greatest potential impact on infant mortality than any other prevention intervention. Similarly, other practices that contribute in the adequacy of optimal breastfeeding are initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of life and continuation of breastfeeding until 2 years of age or as far as possible beyond.…”

“…Breastfeeding seems to be implemented along with the introduction of infant formula and/or other types of milk. 15 A recent analysis of breastfeeding protection, promotion and support systems in Mexico; the results of which showed that physicians and nursing professionals in primary care clinics in Mexico had a low baseline knowledge and skills base to promote and support breastfeeding. Which highlights the need for in-service training to improve breastfeeding knowledge and skills in health professionals.…”

“…Since during fetal life and early childhood it provides an important window of opportunity for better health during adulthood. 15,18…”