Perceptions of infant cereals and dietary intakes of children aged 4–24 months in a rural South African community

The objectives of this study were to determine (1) mothers' perceptions on infant cereals, and (2) dietary intakes of children aged 4-24 months in a rural South African community. All mothers/caregivers of preschool children who attended community-based growth monitoring posts during January-March 2000 were interviewed. The setting was a low socioeconomic rural African community (Ndunakazi), approximately 60 km northwest of the coastal city of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Mothers/caretakers (n = 119) of children aged 5 years and under were interviewed to determine perceptions on infant cereals, and to collect retrospective data on complementary feeding practices. Dietary intakes of children aged 4-24 months (n = 50) were determined by 24 h recall. Retrospective data for the 119 children represented in the survey showed that (1) an infant cereal was given as first solid food to 50% of the children; (2) 81% of children had received an infant cereal at some stage, usually at an early age; (3) half of the children had not received any infant cereal after the age of 6 months; (4) the duration for the use of infant cereals was short (on average 3 months); and (5) feeding of an infant cereal was stopped for more than half of the children because the child did not want to eat it any more (disliked it). Most mothers had a positive attitude towards the use of infant cereals, recognizing the health benefits. The cost of the products is high compared to the amount of money spent to feed the household. For children aged 4-24 months of age, the quantities of infant cereal used was inadequate (approximately a quarter of the recommended portion size) and total dietary intakes were below 67% of the recommended levels for calcium, iron, zinc, niacin, vitamin B₆ and vitamin B₁₂. It was found that the concept of infant cereals is well accepted and the health benefits thereof are recognized in this rural community. Although these products are available in the area, intakes of children aged 4-24 months were below recommended levels for most of the micronutrients. The availability of culturally acceptable fortified products which are affordable for people in the lower socioeconomic sector is needed.