Welcome to Unit 2: Health Effects of Complementary Feeding
This unit focuses on the health effects of complementary feeding. Based on current evidence on studies reporting the age at which complementary foods are introduced, the unit outlines how the timing of complementary foods can have immediate or later health consequences. The unit covers health outcomes such as obesity, atopic diseases including eczema, allergy and asthma, cardiovascular disease, celiac disease, diabetes mellitus, as well as some other health effects associated with complementary feeding such as dental caries, and the risk of infections. This unit will also present the learner with some specific issues associated with complementary feeding in developing countries including the health impacts of inadequate provision of complementary foods, including specific nutritional deficiencies and stunting.
The likely duration that the Learner will need to engage with the Material is 180 minutes. “Optional readings” which are offered to the Learner in addition to the Material not included.
Feel free to use the discussion forum to ask questions, post comments and discuss with other users about this unit.