Yes / Breastfeeding is known to be a powerful mediator of maternal and childhood health, with impacts throughout the lifecourse. Paleodietary studies of the past thirty years have accordingly taken an enduring interest in the health and diet of young children as a potential indicator of population fertility, subsistence, and mortality patterns. While progress has been made in recent decades towards acknowledging the agency of children, many paleodietary reconstructions have failed to incorporate developments in cognate disciplines revealing synergistic dynamics between maternal and offspring biology. Central to this understanding has been heavy reliance on the “weanling’s dilemma”, in which infants are thought to face a bleak choice between loss of immunity or malnutrition. Using a review of immunological and epidemiological evidence for the dynamic and supportive role that breastfeeding plays throughout the complementary feeding period, this paper offers context and nuance for understanding past feeding transitions. We suggest that future interpretative frameworks for infant paleodietary and bioarchaeological research should include a broad knowledge base that keeps pace with relevant developments outside of those disciplines.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-03-22T17:26:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Laura.pdf: 522011 bytes, checksum: 4a170b7013f94f447b8b0604cd7eba7f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2005-05-24 / Objective: Evaluate feeding practices in the first three months of babies born in a city located in the south of Brazil Methods: Cohort prospective study, involving babies born between September 2002 and May 2003 in the city of Pelotas, and followed until the age of three months. Results: In the first month, 60% of the babies were in exclusive breastfeeding, 16% in predominant breastfeeding and 10% were not. In the third month, exclusive breastfeeding was present in 39% of the sample and almost one third was not being breastfed anymore. After a multivariate analysis using logistic regression, the detected factors associated to absence of exclusive breastfeeding in the first month were: paternal level of education and pacifier use. Maternal labor and pacifier use showed strong association with the absence of exclusive breastfeeding in the third month. The early use of pacifier and early introduction of water/teas occurred, being 55% and 16% found respectively in the first month. Conclusions: Exclusive breastfeeding presents low rates in our environment. The identification of the factor that can interfere in this well-accepted practice of feeding babies is fundamental. Public health services, through implementation maternal breastfeeding promotion policies and the commitment of all health team should review their practices towards the attention to the mother and the newborn so that effective measures of support can be adopted and orientation to women who are breastfeeding given. / Objetivo:Avaliar as práticas alimentares nos três primeiros meses das crianças nascidas em uma cidade do sul do Brasil. Métodos:Estudo de coorte prospectiva, envolvendo bebês nascidos entre setembro de 2002 e maio de 2003, na cidade de Pelotas, acompanhados até os três meses de idade. Resultados: No primeiro mês, 60% dos bebês estava em aleitamento materno exclusivo, 16% em aleitamento predominante e 10% havia desmamado. No terceiro mês, o aleitamento exclusivo estava presente em 39% da amostra e quase um terço já não mamava mais. Após análise multivariada por regressão logística, os fatores associados com a ausência de aleitamento exclusivo no primeiro mês foram baixa escolaridade paterna e uso de chupeta. Trabalho materno e uso de chupeta mostraram forte associação com ausência de aleitamento exclusivo no terceiro mês. O uso de chupeta e introdução de água/chás ocorreu precocemente sendo encontrado 55% e 16% respectivamente já no primeiro mês. Conclusões:Aleitamento materno exclusivo apresenta índices baixos em nosso meio e algumas práticas alimentares podem interferir na amamentação. A identificação dos fatores que podem estar associados à ausência de aleitamento é de fundamental importância. Os serviços de saúde, através da implementação de políticas de promoção do aleitamento materno deveriam revisar suas práticas de atenção à mãe e ao recém-nascido para que possam ser tomadas medidas efetivas de suporte e orientação às mulheres que estão amamentando.

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Objetivo: Descrever o estado nutricional de crianças menores de 5 anos residentes em 2 municípios da Amazônia Brasileira. Métodos: Inquérito transversal de base populacional em crianças residentes na área urbana de Assis Brasil (n = 200) e Acrelândia (n = 477), Estado do Acre, Brasil. Resultados: Os resultados foram apresentados na forma de 3 artigos: 1) Saúde e nutrição infantil na Amazônia Ocidental Brasileira: inquéritos de base populacional em dois municípios acreanos; 2) Prevalência e fatores associados ao risco para anemia ferropriva entre pré-escolares da Amazônia brasileira; 3) Dietary practices and nutritional status of 0-24-month-old children from Brazilian Amazonia. Conclusões principais: Diagnosticaram-se déficits nutricionais, segundo os índices P/E, P/I e E/I, em 3,7%, 8,7% e 7,5% das crianças examinadas, respectivamente. As prevalências gerais de anemia, deficiência de ferro e anemia ferropriva foram de 30,6%, 43,5% e 20,9%, respectivamente. Ser menor de 24 meses [Razão das Chances-(RC) = 13,72; Intervalo com 95% de confiança (IC95%) = 5,66-33,27] e história de episódio recente de diarréia (RC=1,57; IC95%=1,01-2,45) foram associados ao risco para anemia ferropriva; porém, pertencer ao maior tercil do índice de riqueza foi associado à proteção (RC= 0,48; IC95%=0,28-0,82). Entre as crianças menores de 2 anos, o aleitamento materno foi iniciado por 97,3% das mães. Foi observada precoce introdução de alimentos (prevalência de aleitamento materno exclusivo entre menores de 6 meses: 31,4%). O padrão alimentar da dieta de desmame foi caracterizado por alta ingestão de alimentos ricos em carboidratos e leite de vaca, com ingestão insuficiente de frutas, vegetais e carnes. Todas as crianças de 6-12 meses e 92,3% das crianças de 12 a 24 meses estavam em risco de consumo inadequado de ferro, sendo observado baixo consumo de ferro biodisponível (ferro proveniente de alimentos de origem animal contribuiu em média com 0,5% do total de ferro entre crianças de 6-12 meses e com 14,3% entre crianças de 12-24 meses). / Objective: To describe the nutritional status of preschool children living in Brazilian Amazonia. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out in the urban area of the towns of Acrelândia (n=477) e Assis Brasil (n=200), Acre State. Results: The results are presented in 3 articles: 1) Child health and nutrition in Western Brazilian Amazon: population-based surveys in two towns in Acre State; 2) Prevalence and associated factors with iron deficiency anemia in preschool children in Brazilian Amazonia; 3) Dietary practices and nutritional status of 0-24-month-old children from Brazilian Amazonia. Conclusions: The overall prevalence rates of low weight-for-height, low weight-for-age and low height-for-age were respectively 3.7%, 8.7% and 7.5%, with similar figures in both towns. Anemia, iron deficiency, and iron deficiency anemia were diagnosed in 30.6%, 43.5%, and 20.9% of the children, respectively. Age under 24 months (Odds Ratio – OR = 13.7; 95% Confidence Interval – CI = 5.66-33.27) and history of a recent diarrhea episode (OR=1.57; 95% CI = 1.01-2.45) were associated with a risk for iron deficiency anemia; however; the highest tertile of wealth index was a protector factor for iron deficiency anemia. Among under-twos, breastfeeding was initiated by 97.3% of mothers. Early feeding with complementary foods was observed (prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in babies under 6 months: 31.4%). Dietary pattern reflected a high intake of carbohydrate-rich foods and cow’s milk, with irregular intakes of fruit, vegetables and meat. All infants and 92.3% of toddlers were at risk of inadequate iron intakes. Iron from animal foods contributed on average 0.5% and 14.3% of total dietary iron among infants and toddlers, respectively.

Childhood obesity rates are on the rise. There are detrimental physical and psychological health effects associated with childhood obesity. Society needs proven methods of delivering nutrition and physical activity education to children. The Teens Reaching Youth (TRY) 4-H model has been shown to be effective at delivering curriculum in a variety of topics. To assess the effectiveness of the TRY 4-H model at delivering nutrition and physical activity education to youth, grades third through sixth. The program's objectives were to increase youth participants' nutritional knowledge, improve youth participants' eating and fitness habits, and improve leadership and life skills of the teens involved in the TRY 4-H program. We compared three groups of youth grades third through sixth in Northern Utah. We looked at the youth's nutrition knowledge and food preferences as well as their parents/guardians' behaviors. Then two of the groups participated in a nutrition and physical activity education program. One group was taught by TRY 4-H teams and the other group was taught by adult volunteers from the community. After participating in the program, the youth's nutrition knowledge and food preferences and their parents/guardians' behaviors were re-assessed. The control group was unavailable for re-assessment due to limited access. Teen leadership was assessed using a teen leadership and life skills assessment tool. At baseline, the three samples had no statistical differences. The TRY 4-H treatment and Adult Volunteer treatment were found to produce statistically similar nutrition knowledge out-comes. Parents/guardians reported improvements in youth participant nutrition and physical activity habits. Teen members of the TRY teams experienced an increase in leadership and life skills. Teens from the TRY 4-H program are as effective as adult volunteers at teaching younger youth about nutrition. This education delivery method should be utilized in additional communities to aid in the fight against childhood obesity.

The purpose of this study was to describe the nutrition knowledge and child care feeding practices of Early Childhood Education students in a university setting. Thirty-three Early Childhood Education students from seven geographically diverse universities completed a web-based survey assessing nutrition knowledge and child feeding practices. A nutrition knowledge instrument was developed and validated to measure knowledge of nutrition for preschool-aged children. The Comprehensive Feeding Practices Questionnaire, which has been previously validated in parents, was slightly modified and used to assess child feeding practices. Mean scores for the nutrition knowledge and child feeding practices were determined. Multivariate analyses were conducted to determine differences in mean nutrition knowledge and feeding practices scores across sample characteristics. Early Childhood Education students were found to have more knowledge of MyPyramid food groups and dietary sources of nutrients than dietary intake recommendations for preschool-aged children. Students who had completed a college-level nutrition course scored higher on MyPyramid food groups and food sources of nutrients than those who had not, although these differences were not statistically significant. A nonsignificant trend was observed in knowledge of dietary recommendations according to practicum status. Additionally, students who had not started a practicum reported using food as a reward significantly more than students who had completed a practicum. Results suggest roles for both nutrition coursework and practicum training in optimizing nutrition knowledge and child feeding practices among future leaders in early childhood education. Further research is needed to more clearly identify nutrition knowledge and child feeding practices in this population.

Objetivo: Descrever o estado nutricional de crianças menores de 5 anos residentes em 2 municípios da Amazônia Brasileira. Métodos: Inquérito transversal de base populacional em crianças residentes na área urbana de Assis Brasil (n = 200) e Acrelândia (n = 477), Estado do Acre, Brasil. Resultados: Os resultados foram apresentados na forma de 3 artigos: 1) Saúde e nutrição infantil na Amazônia Ocidental Brasileira: inquéritos de base populacional em dois municípios acreanos; 2) Prevalência e fatores associados ao risco para anemia ferropriva entre pré-escolares da Amazônia brasileira; 3) Dietary practices and nutritional status of 0-24-month-old children from Brazilian Amazonia. Conclusões principais: Diagnosticaram-se déficits nutricionais, segundo os índices P/E, P/I e E/I, em 3,7%, 8,7% e 7,5% das crianças examinadas, respectivamente. As prevalências gerais de anemia, deficiência de ferro e anemia ferropriva foram de 30,6%, 43,5% e 20,9%, respectivamente. Ser menor de 24 meses [Razão das Chances- (RC) = 13,72; Intervalo com 95% de confiança (IC95%) = 5,66-33,27] e história de episódio recente de diarréia (RC=1,57; IC95%=1,01-2,45) foram associados ao risco para anemia ferropriva; porém, pertencer ao maior tercil do índice de riqueza foi associado à proteção (RC= 0,48; IC95%=0,28-0,82). Entre as crianças menores de 2 anos, o aleitamento materno foi iniciado por 97,3% das mães. Foi observada precoce introdução de alimentos (prevalência de aleitamento materno exclusivo entre menores de 6 meses: 31,4%). O padrão alimentar da dieta de desmame foi caracterizado por alta ingestão de alimentos ricos em carboidratos e leite de vaca, com ingestão insuficiente de frutas, vegetais e carnes. Todas as crianças de 6-12 meses e 92,3% das crianças de 12 a 24 meses estavam em risco de consumo inadequado de ferro, sendo observado baixo consumo de ferro biodisponível (ferro proveniente de alimentos de origem animal contribuiu em média com 0,5% do total de ferro entre crianças de 6-12 meses e com 14,3% entre crianças de 12-24 meses). / Objective: To describe the nutritional status of preschool children living in Brazilian Amazonia. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out in the urban area of the towns of Acrelândia (n=477) e Assis Brasil (n=200), Acre State. Results: The results are presented in 3 articles: 1) Child health and nutrition in Western Brazilian Amazon: population-based surveys in two towns in Acre State; 2) Prevalence and associated factors with iron deficiency anemia in preschool children in Brazilian Amazonia; 3) Dietary practices and nutritional status of 0-24-month-old children from Brazilian Amazonia. Conclusions: The overall prevalence rates of low weight-for-height, low weight-for-age and low height-for-age were respectively 3.7%, 8.7% and 7.5%, with similar figures in both towns. Anemia, iron deficiency, and iron deficiency anemia were diagnosed in 30.6%, 43.5%, and 20.9% of the children, respectively. Age under 24 months (Odds Ratio – OR = 13.7; 95% Confidence Interval – CI = 5.66-33.27) and history of a recent diarrhea episode (OR=1.57; 95% CI = 1.01- 2.45) were associated with a risk for iron deficiency anemia; however; the highest tertile of wealth index was a protector factor for iron deficiency anemia. Among under-twos, breastfeeding was initiated by 97.3% of mothers. Early feeding with complementary foods was observed (prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in babies under 6 months: 31.4%). Dietary pattern reflected a high intake of carbohydrate-rich foods and cow’s milk, with irregular intakes of fruit, vegetables and meat. All infants and 92.3% of toddlers were at risk of inadequate iron intakes. Iron from animal foods contributed on average 0.5% and 14.3% of total dietary iron among infants and toddlers, respectively.

Objetivo: Descrever o estado nutricional de crianças menores de 5 anos residentes em 2 municípios da Amazônia Brasileira. Métodos: Inquérito transversal de base populacional em crianças residentes na área urbana de Assis Brasil (n = 200) e Acrelândia (n = 477), Estado do Acre, Brasil. Resultados: Os resultados foram apresentados na forma de 3 artigos: 1) Saúde e nutrição infantil na Amazônia Ocidental Brasileira: inquéritos de base populacional em dois municípios acreanos; 2) Prevalência e fatores associados ao risco para anemia ferropriva entre pré-escolares da Amazônia brasileira; 3) Dietary practices and nutritional status of 0-24-month-old children from Brazilian Amazonia. Conclusões principais: Diagnosticaram-se déficits nutricionais, segundo os índices P/E, P/I e E/I, em 3,7%, 8,7% e 7,5% das crianças examinadas, respectivamente. As prevalências gerais de anemia, deficiência de ferro e anemia ferropriva foram de 30,6%, 43,5% e 20,9%, respectivamente. Ser menor de 24 meses [Razão das Chances- (RC) = 13,72; Intervalo com 95% de confiança (IC95%) = 5,66-33,27] e história de episódio recente de diarréia (RC=1,57; IC95%=1,01-2,45) foram associados ao risco para anemia ferropriva; porém, pertencer ao maior tercil do índice de riqueza foi associado à proteção (RC= 0,48; IC95%=0,28-0,82). Entre as crianças menores de 2 anos, o aleitamento materno foi iniciado por 97,3% das mães. Foi observada precoce introdução de alimentos (prevalência de aleitamento materno exclusivo entre menores de 6 meses: 31,4%). O padrão alimentar da dieta de desmame foi caracterizado por alta ingestão de alimentos ricos em carboidratos e leite de vaca, com ingestão insuficiente de frutas, vegetais e carnes. Todas as crianças de 6-12 meses e 92,3% das crianças de 12 a 24 meses estavam em risco de consumo inadequado de ferro, sendo observado baixo consumo de ferro biodisponível (ferro proveniente de alimentos de origem animal contribuiu em média com 0,5% do total de ferro entre crianças de 6-12 meses e com 14,3% entre crianças de 12-24 meses). / Objective: To describe the nutritional status of preschool children living in Brazilian Amazonia. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out in the urban area of the towns of Acrelândia (n=477) e Assis Brasil (n=200), Acre State. Results: The results are presented in 3 articles: 1) Child health and nutrition in Western Brazilian Amazon: population-based surveys in two towns in Acre State; 2) Prevalence and associated factors with iron deficiency anemia in preschool children in Brazilian Amazonia; 3) Dietary practices and nutritional status of 0-24-month-old children from Brazilian Amazonia. Conclusions: The overall prevalence rates of low weight-for-height, low weight-for-age and low height-for-age were respectively 3.7%, 8.7% and 7.5%, with similar figures in both towns. Anemia, iron deficiency, and iron deficiency anemia were diagnosed in 30.6%, 43.5%, and 20.9% of the children, respectively. Age under 24 months (Odds Ratio – OR = 13.7; 95% Confidence Interval – CI = 5.66-33.27) and history of a recent diarrhea episode (OR=1.57; 95% CI = 1.01- 2.45) were associated with a risk for iron deficiency anemia; however; the highest tertile of wealth index was a protector factor for iron deficiency anemia. Among under-twos, breastfeeding was initiated by 97.3% of mothers. Early feeding with complementary foods was observed (prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in babies under 6 months: 31.4%). Dietary pattern reflected a high intake of carbohydrate-rich foods and cow’s milk, with irregular intakes of fruit, vegetables and meat. All infants and 92.3% of toddlers were at risk of inadequate iron intakes. Iron from animal foods contributed on average 0.5% and 14.3% of total dietary iron among infants and toddlers, respectively.

Objetivo: Descrever o estado nutricional de crianças menores de 5 anos residentes em 2 municípios da Amazônia Brasileira. Métodos: Inquérito transversal de base populacional em crianças residentes na área urbana de Assis Brasil (n = 200) e Acrelândia (n = 477), Estado do Acre, Brasil. Resultados: Os resultados foram apresentados na forma de 3 artigos: 1) Saúde e nutrição infantil na Amazônia Ocidental Brasileira: inquéritos de base populacional em dois municípios acreanos; 2) Prevalência e fatores associados ao risco para anemia ferropriva entre pré-escolares da Amazônia brasileira; 3) Dietary practices and nutritional status of 0-24-month-old children from Brazilian Amazonia. Conclusões principais: Diagnosticaram-se déficits nutricionais, segundo os índices P/E, P/I e E/I, em 3,7%, 8,7% e 7,5% das crianças examinadas, respectivamente. As prevalências gerais de anemia, deficiência de ferro e anemia ferropriva foram de 30,6%, 43,5% e 20,9%, respectivamente. Ser menor de 24 meses [Razão das Chances- (RC) = 13,72; Intervalo com 95% de confiança (IC95%) = 5,66-33,27] e história de episódio recente de diarréia (RC=1,57; IC95%=1,01-2,45) foram associados ao risco para anemia ferropriva; porém, pertencer ao maior tercil do índice de riqueza foi associado à proteção (RC= 0,48; IC95%=0,28-0,82). Entre as crianças menores de 2 anos, o aleitamento materno foi iniciado por 97,3% das mães. Foi observada precoce introdução de alimentos (prevalência de aleitamento materno exclusivo entre menores de 6 meses: 31,4%). O padrão alimentar da dieta de desmame foi caracterizado por alta ingestão de alimentos ricos em carboidratos e leite de vaca, com ingestão insuficiente de frutas, vegetais e carnes. Todas as crianças de 6-12 meses e 92,3% das crianças de 12 a 24 meses estavam em risco de consumo inadequado de ferro, sendo observado baixo consumo de ferro biodisponível (ferro proveniente de alimentos de origem animal contribuiu em média com 0,5% do total de ferro entre crianças de 6-12 meses e com 14,3% entre crianças de 12-24 meses). / Objective: To describe the nutritional status of preschool children living in Brazilian Amazonia. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out in the urban area of the towns of Acrelândia (n=477) e Assis Brasil (n=200), Acre State. Results: The results are presented in 3 articles: 1) Child health and nutrition in Western Brazilian Amazon: population-based surveys in two towns in Acre State; 2) Prevalence and associated factors with iron deficiency anemia in preschool children in Brazilian Amazonia; 3) Dietary practices and nutritional status of 0-24-month-old children from Brazilian Amazonia. Conclusions: The overall prevalence rates of low weight-for-height, low weight-for-age and low height-for-age were respectively 3.7%, 8.7% and 7.5%, with similar figures in both towns. Anemia, iron deficiency, and iron deficiency anemia were diagnosed in 30.6%, 43.5%, and 20.9% of the children, respectively. Age under 24 months (Odds Ratio – OR = 13.7; 95% Confidence Interval – CI = 5.66-33.27) and history of a recent diarrhea episode (OR=1.57; 95% CI = 1.01- 2.45) were associated with a risk for iron deficiency anemia; however; the highest tertile of wealth index was a protector factor for iron deficiency anemia. Among under-twos, breastfeeding was initiated by 97.3% of mothers. Early feeding with complementary foods was observed (prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in babies under 6 months: 31.4%). Dietary pattern reflected a high intake of carbohydrate-rich foods and cow’s milk, with irregular intakes of fruit, vegetables and meat. All infants and 92.3% of toddlers were at risk of inadequate iron intakes. Iron from animal foods contributed on average 0.5% and 14.3% of total dietary iron among infants and toddlers, respectively.

Objetivo: Descrever o estado nutricional de crianças menores de 5 anos residentes em 2 municípios da Amazônia Brasileira. Métodos: Inquérito transversal de base populacional em crianças residentes na área urbana de Assis Brasil (n = 200) e Acrelândia (n = 477), Estado do Acre, Brasil. Resultados: Os resultados foram apresentados na forma de 3 artigos: 1) Saúde e nutrição infantil na Amazônia Ocidental Brasileira: inquéritos de base populacional em dois municípios acreanos; 2) Prevalência e fatores associados ao risco para anemia ferropriva entre pré-escolares da Amazônia brasileira; 3) Dietary practices and nutritional status of 0-24-month-old children from Brazilian Amazonia. Conclusões principais: Diagnosticaram-se déficits nutricionais, segundo os índices P/E, P/I e E/I, em 3,7%, 8,7% e 7,5% das crianças examinadas, respectivamente. As prevalências gerais de anemia, deficiência de ferro e anemia ferropriva foram de 30,6%, 43,5% e 20,9%, respectivamente. Ser menor de 24 meses [Razão das Chances-(RC) = 13,72; Intervalo com 95% de confiança (IC95%) = 5,66-33,27] e história de episódio recente de diarréia (RC=1,57; IC95%=1,01-2,45) foram associados ao risco para anemia ferropriva; porém, pertencer ao maior tercil do índice de riqueza foi associado à proteção (RC= 0,48; IC95%=0,28-0,82). Entre as crianças menores de 2 anos, o aleitamento materno foi iniciado por 97,3% das mães. Foi observada precoce introdução de alimentos (prevalência de aleitamento materno exclusivo entre menores de 6 meses: 31,4%). O padrão alimentar da dieta de desmame foi caracterizado por alta ingestão de alimentos ricos em carboidratos e leite de vaca, com ingestão insuficiente de frutas, vegetais e carnes. Todas as crianças de 6-12 meses e 92,3% das crianças de 12 a 24 meses estavam em risco de consumo inadequado de ferro, sendo observado baixo consumo de ferro biodisponível (ferro proveniente de alimentos de origem animal contribuiu em média com 0,5% do total de ferro entre crianças de 6-12 meses e com 14,3% entre crianças de 12-24 meses). / Objective: To describe the nutritional status of preschool children living in Brazilian Amazonia. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out in the urban area of the towns of Acrelândia (n=477) e Assis Brasil (n=200), Acre State. Results: The results are presented in 3 articles: 1) Child health and nutrition in Western Brazilian Amazon: population-based surveys in two towns in Acre State; 2) Prevalence and associated factors with iron deficiency anemia in preschool children in Brazilian Amazonia; 3) Dietary practices and nutritional status of 0-24-month-old children from Brazilian Amazonia. Conclusions: The overall prevalence rates of low weight-for-height, low weight-for-age and low height-for-age were respectively 3.7%, 8.7% and 7.5%, with similar figures in both towns. Anemia, iron deficiency, and iron deficiency anemia were diagnosed in 30.6%, 43.5%, and 20.9% of the children, respectively. Age under 24 months (Odds Ratio – OR = 13.7; 95% Confidence Interval – CI = 5.66-33.27) and history of a recent diarrhea episode (OR=1.57; 95% CI = 1.01-2.45) were associated with a risk for iron deficiency anemia; however; the highest tertile of wealth index was a protector factor for iron deficiency anemia. Among under-twos, breastfeeding was initiated by 97.3% of mothers. Early feeding with complementary foods was observed (prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in babies under 6 months: 31.4%). Dietary pattern reflected a high intake of carbohydrate-rich foods and cow’s milk, with irregular intakes of fruit, vegetables and meat. All infants and 92.3% of toddlers were at risk of inadequate iron intakes. Iron from animal foods contributed on average 0.5% and 14.3% of total dietary iron among infants and toddlers, respectively.