Alimentação complementar na região sudeste do Brasil

Abstract

Introduction: A healthy and appropriate infant feeding begins with breast milk in the first hour of life, held exclusively up to six months and complemented, from that age, with solid and semi-solid food up to two years or more. complementary feeding has the function of complementing the energy, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals required for growth and children’s development. It is important that the introduction of complementary food take place in due time, and properly. Objective: To describe the practices of complementary feeding for children from southeastern Brazil, in their first two years of life. Methodology: Non-systematic review of articles published in Portuguese, from 2009 to 2015, surveyed from the descriptors: breast-feeding, weaning and complementary feeding. The databases consulted were SciELO, Google Scholar and sites official national bodies such as the Ministry of Health. Results: The review highlights interruption of exclusive breast-feeding before recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), which is six months. There was early introduction of liquids and solids and semi-solids; preparations with inadequate consistency for age, with a predominance of food with low energy density; and frequent consumption of unhealthy food before a child is one year old. The reasons found for early introduction of complementary food were beliefs, child's difficulties, maternal needs like returning to work, private health services, maternal age, health professionals guidance and pacifier use. Final considerations: The analyzed studies indicate inadequacies of complementary feeding in the first two years of life of children in the Southeast. Health professionals involved in infant feeding area should promote and participate in educational activities on children's health , women's and family issues with breastfeeding and complementary feeding, considering the regional food.