ارزيابي تغذيه اي غذاهاي تكميلي بومي در روستاهاي شمال شهر تهران

Nutritional Assessment of Local Complementary Foods in Northern Rural Areas of Tehran District o

Introduction: Appropriate complementary feeding, due to itʹs importance in child growth and development, is a health priority for child nutrition in developing countries. This study was concerned to evaluate the common local foods in child feeding with its nutritional value and adequacy in northern rural areas of Tehran. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was preformed on 40 mothers having children aged 6 to 24 months and living in areas named AFJEH, KONDEOLIA, BOOMEHEN and BAGHEKOMESH located near Tehran by using observation and interview methods through questionnaires and visiting in 1383. Questions were based on the name, appearance, ingredients and preparation of each traditional food. Data were assessed by application of Nutrition III software. / Results: Varieties of complementary traditional foods specific for children consisting of stews, rice, soups, vegetable quiche and borany are offered on Iranian tables which are different in appearance, taste, aroma and color which are based on cereals, vegetables and IT roots and only in some products namely stews and quiche, animal produce might be included. The starch and carbohydrate content of these foods are high but vitamin and mineral requirements of child are not provided due to the low bioavailability. Conclusion: It is concluded that the traditional child foods are not able to provide the nutritional requirements particularly the micronutrients. Therefore in order to implement the ^ traditional complementary feeding policy due to itʹs low cost, accessible and acceptance, it is required to increase their nutritive values by fortification and also to educate mothers to improve food preparation methods by nutritionists, nurses and midwifes in health centers. L -v Keywords: Complementary Feeding, Local Foods, Nutritional Assessment.