Target food sources for formulating complementary/supplementary foods for weaning purposes

Abstract

The paper focuses on complementary and supplementary foods for weaning purposes. While advocating that breast-feeding be sustained during weaning periods, it also articulates the decision, which guides when to introduce semi-solid foods to infants. It considers the process of formulating complementary and supplementary foods and identifies staple foods as the target sources used for the purpose. It views the issues of relative local availability as a function of certain rather compelling determinants that facilitate both inter- and intra- zonal transfer substitution of target food sources. Conclusively, complementary and supplementary foods are as important as weaning period is critical to the survival of infants. Therefore, weaning must not be done inappropriately but implemented as a smooth transitional dietary experience of infants, which takes them successfully through breast-feeding to the family’s diet.

Keywords: Target foods, Complimentary, Weaning, Supplementary