Impact of banana based supplementary food on the nutritional status of infants

Abstract

A study on “Impact of banana based supplementary food on the nutritional status of the infants” was conducted among selected fifteen infants using a supplementary food based on locally available food articles like banana, sesame, horsegram and skim milk powder in the proportion of 30:20:30:20. Prior to the experiment a survey was conducted to ascertain the feasibility of introducing such supplementary food among the rural families.

The survey conducted among seventy five families selected from under previlaged section of the community revealed that they were large families with more women and children. Education level was low for these families. Diets consumed by these families were with little variety.

Data on infant feeding practices revealed that infants were put on prolonged breast feeding with long interval between feeds. Type of food given to the infants were not nutritious. This indicates that there is urgency for introduction of such supplementary food. The present feeding trial was conducted for six months with fifteen infants in the experiment group. A comparison of the anthropometric measurements like heights and weights revealed a favourable trend towards the experimental group. Data on Height for age profile, and weight / height2 Head/Chest circumference ratio, Mid arm circumference/ Head circumference ratio and clinical record also indicated favourable trends in the case of infants belonging to experimental and control group. An assessment of anthropometric measurements of the infant of experimental group indicated a significant increase when compared to the control group.

Hence, it can be concluded that the banana based supplementary food tried in the above feeding trial is found to be suitable one for popularising as a supplementary feed for the infant.