Unit 2: Health Effects of Complementary Feeding

Complementary feeding in developing countries and especially in low-resource settings poses particular challenges to caregivers. Even with the knowledge of proper complementary feeding practices, the provision of adequate foods may be difficult due to socioeconomic or cultural reasons.

Infants in developing countries have a particularly increased risk of gastrointestinal infections through food-borne illnesses when introducing complementary foods, as well as an increased risk of inadequate provision of complementary foods, specific nutritional deficiencies and stunting.