Nutrition
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Complementary feeding is a process starting at 6 months of age when breastfeeding alone cannot provide the nutrients infants require. Foods and liquids are started along with breastfeeding up to 24 months, while complementary foods are available either from a garden or local market appropriate to complement breast milk at 6 months to satisfy the nutritional needs of the infant. Infancy is from birth to 12 months of age, and the term young child is used when referring to infants and children from 12 months to 2 years of age. Infants and young children require a sufficient diet that includes all nutrients that support overall growth and development. Appropriate feeding practices are crucial during infancy and early childhood. In addition to breastfeeding, complementary feeding should be started on time, administered safely and appropriately, and in sufficient amounts with regularity, consistency, and a variety of foods to meet nutritional needs. ⋯ The responses of mothers from all age strata regarding factors that hinder appropriate infant and young child feeding show a lack of awareness about initiating early breastfeeding. Extreme work overload prevented the feeding of breast milk and preparation of a complementary diet as per protocol, low utilization of family planning, and a perceived shortage of food items to prepare a balanced diet for complementary feeding were factors that hindered appropriate infant and young child feeding. Concerned stakeholders should work to alleviate the extreme workload among mothers with children under 2 years old and reduce their lack of awareness by designing appropriate infant and young child feeding education; cooking demonstrations are strongly recommended.
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Iron is an important micronutrient in pathways of energy production, adequate nutrient intake and its balance is essential for optimal athletic performance. However, large studies elucidating the impact of iron deficiency on athletes' performance are sparse. ⋯ Iron deficiency is common in athletes (predominantly in female and in young athletes). Iron deficiency was independently associated with reduced VO2 peak during exercise testing and lower probability to reach a VO2 peak >50 ml/min/kg.
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To evaluate the association between consumed non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in a cohort of pregnant women from Santiago, Chile. ⋯ The consumption of NNS, particularly sucralose, is associated with an increased risk of GDM in pregnant women. Further studies are essential to validate these results in other contexts and to guide future recommendations for healthier dietary practices among pregnant populations.