The Science of Right Complementary Feeding in Nutritional Intervention: Impact of Iron, Calcium, Vitamin A & C Fortified Foods for Children in Bangladesh to Combat Micronutrient Deficiency

Mohammad Aktaruzzaman; Chowdhury Shamsul Hoque Kibria; Kiriti Kumar Dhali; Mostafizur Rahman; Kazi Iman

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251405.19

Review Article |

| Peer-Reviewed

The Science of Right Complementary Feeding in Nutritional Intervention: Impact of Iron, Calcium, Vitamin A & C Fortified Foods for Children in Bangladesh to Combat Micronutrient Deficiency

Mohammad Aktaruzzaman^*

, Chowdhury Shamsul Hoque Kibria

, Kiriti Kumar Dhali

, Mostafizur Rahman

, Kazi Iman

Published in International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences (Volume 14, Issue 5)

Received: 3 October 2025 Accepted: 13 October 2025 Published: 27 October 2025

Views: Downloads:

Download PDF

Share This Article

Twitter
Linked In
Facebook

Abstract

Micronutrient deficiencies (MND) among children under five years of age continue to pose a serious public health challenge in Bangladesh, contributing significantly to childhood morbidity, impaired cognitive development, and increased mortality. Despite efforts to improve nutritional outcomes, the prevalence of deficiencies in essential micronutrients such as iron, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C remains alarmingly high in this vulnerable age group. This review explores the critical role of age-appropriate complementary feeding practices and the introduction of micronutrient-fortified foods as effective strategies to combat MND in young children. While national nutrition programs and policies are in place, progress in improving complementary feeding practices has been limited over the past decade, with persistent gaps in knowledge, cultural practices, and socioeconomic barriers hindering widespread adoption. Evidence indicates that the use of fortified food products can be highly effective in addressing specific micronutrient deficits when integrated into children’s diets from an early age. However, implementation challenges—including limited awareness, uneven distribution, cost barriers, and logistical inefficiencies—continue to limit their reach and impact. This article synthesizes recent data on the nutritional status of children under five in Bangladesh, evaluates the effectiveness of current intervention strategies, and outlines key policy and programmatic recommendations aimed at enhancing the availability, accessibility, and adoption of fortified foods. Addressing these challenges holistically is essential for reducing the burden of micronutrient deficiencies and improving the health, development, and future potential of Bangladesh’s youngest population.

Published in	International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences (Volume 14, Issue 5)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251405.19
Page(s)	359-364
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Complementary Feeding, Micronutrient Deficiency (MND), Iron Fortification, Calcium Fortification, Vitamin A and C Deficiency, Child Nutrition in Bangladesh, Toddlerhood Nutrition, Nutritional Intervention

1. Introduction

Malnutrition continues to be a widespread public health issue in Bangladesh, particularly affecting children under the age of five. Recent national surveys indicate that approximately 28% of children are stunted, 22% are underweight, and 9.8% suffer from wasting—highlighting both chronic and acute forms of undernutrition. These alarming figures not only threaten child survival but also have long-lasting effects on cognitive development, educational attainment, and future economic productivity.

One of the key determinants of nutritional outcomes during early childhood is complementary feeding—the appropriate introduction of solid, semi-solid, or soft foods in addition to continued breastfeeding. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises that complementary foods should be introduced at around six months of age, as breast milk alone no longer suffices to meet the nutritional needs of a growing infant. However, in Bangladesh, adherence to recommended complementary feeding practices remains inadequate. According to the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS), only 36% of children aged 6-23 months consume foods from the minimum required number of food groups, and fewer than 20% receive a minimum acceptable diet

[1]

This suboptimal feeding contributes directly to the high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs), particularly involving iron, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Often referred to as "hidden hunger," these deficiencies may not immediately result in visible weight loss but can lead to severe long-term consequences for immunity, physical growth, and cognitive development. Iron deficiency anemia affects nearly 40-50% of children in Bangladesh and is associated with fatigue, poor concentration, and weakened immune response. Vitamin A deficiency increases the risk of preventable blindness and susceptibility to infectious diseases. Meanwhile, insufficient calcium intake can impair bone development, and a lack of vitamin C diminishes iron absorption, further compounding the problem of anemia.

To address the widespread burden of micronutrient deficiencies and undernutrition among young children in Bangladesh, the incorporation of fortified complementary foods has gained recognition as a critical public health strategy. Fortification of complementary foods with essential micronutrients such as iron, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C offers a practical and evidence-based approach to bridging nutritional gaps during the first 1,000 days of life—a period marked by rapid physical and cognitive development. These fortified products include nutrient-enriched cereals, porridges, micronutrient powders (MNPs), and ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTFs), and are increasingly being integrated into national nutrition initiatives and supported through collaborations between governmental programs and private sector stakeholders

[2, 19]

Despite their proven efficacy in improving micronutrient status and reducing the risk of associated morbidities, significant implementation challenges persist. Issues of accessibility and affordability limit the reach of fortified products, particularly in rural, remote, and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. Furthermore, entrenched cultural norms and traditional feeding practices often overshadow scientifically informed dietary guidelines, resulting in low uptake of fortified interventions. Therefore, effective complementary feeding strategies must adopt a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach. This includes caregiver-targeted nutrition education to promote behavior change, community-level engagement to shift social norms, supportive policy frameworks to regulate and incentivize fortification, and sustainable market-based mechanisms to enhance the availability and affordability of fortified products. Such an integrated model is essential to achieving meaningful and lasting improvements in child nutrition outcomes across Bangladesh

[18]

Download: Download full-size image

Figure 1. Current Research on Vitamin and Mineral Fortification in Foods

[16]

2. Epidemiological Findings on Micronutrient Deficiencies in Bangladeshi Children and Adolescents

A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis have highlighted the significant burden of micronutrient deficiencies among children and adolescents in Bangladesh. Anemia, primarily caused by iron deficiency, affects approximately 46.8% of individuals aged 6 months to 19 years, cwith the highest prevalence recorded among toddlers aged 6 to 24 months—a critical developmental period. Beyond iron deficiency, widespread deficiencies in vitamin A and calcium have also been documented, posing serious public health concerns. Vitamin A deficiency impairs immune function and increases vulnerability to infectious diseases, while inadequate calcium intake adversely affects bone growth and skeletal development during early childhood and adolescence. Moreover, a notable prevalence of vitamin C deficiency has been observed, which not only compromises immune defense but also hampers iron absorption, thereby compounding the risk and severity of anemia. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted, evidence-

based nutritional interventions to mitigate the long-term health and developmental consequences of micronutrient deficiencies in Bangladesh's pediatric population

[3, 15]

3. Nutritional Interventions and Feeding Strategies for Toddlers

National surveys consistently indicate that complementary feeding practices in Bangladesh have shown minimal progress over the past decade, reflecting a concerning stagnation in efforts to improve early childhood nutrition. In 2014, less than one-quarter of children between the ages of 6 and 23 months met the minimum criteria for an acceptable diet, as defined by global child feeding indicators. More recent data from the Bangladesh Integrated Household Survey (BIHS) 2018-2019 further highlight the persistence of this issue, revealing that only 18.3% of children in this age group received the minimum dietary diversity, and a mere 16.3% met the threshold for a minimum acceptable diet. These figures underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve the quality and frequency of complementary feeding

[4, 13, 14]

Multiple socio-demographic and systemic factors continue to influence complementary feeding outcomes. Among the most significant are maternal education, which strongly correlates with nutritional knowledge and feeding behavior; household food security, which affects the availability and variety of foods; and access to healthcare services, which plays a critical role in providing caregivers with appropriate guidance and support. Without addressing these underlying determinants, efforts to improve complementary feeding practices are unlikely to achieve sustained impact. A coordinated, multi-sectoral approach is therefore essential to drive measurable improvements in child nutrition across Bangladesh

[20]

Table 1. Definitions of various micronutrient deficiencies

[5, 10, 11]

Micronutrient Deficiency	Definition
Iron Deficiency	Iron deficiency arises when the body does not have enough iron, which hampers the production of red blood cells and the efficient transport of oxygen. This condition can lead to iron deficiency anemia, along with symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, reduced cognitive performance, and a weakened immune system.
Vitamin A Deficiency	Vitamin A deficiency occurs when the body fails to get or absorb enough vitamin A—an essential nutrient for vision, immune health, and growth. This deficiency can cause night blindness, slower growth, greater vulnerability to infections, and in severe cases, total blindness.
Iodine Deficiency	Iodine deficiency happens when the body lacks sufficient iodine—an essential mineral required for healthy thyroid function and the production of thyroid hormones. This deficiency can result in iodine deficiency disorders, such as goiter (thyroid gland enlargement), impaired cognitive development, and in severe cases, cretinism, which causes serious mental and physical disabilities.
Vitamin D Deficiency	Vitamin D deficiency occurs when the body has insufficient levels of vitamin D, a nutrient vital for bone health, immune system support, and various cellular functions. Causes include inadequate sunlight exposure, poor dietary intake, and certain medical conditions. This deficiency can lead to rickets—a condition characterized by weakened and deformed bones in children—and a higher risk of bone fractures in adults.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency	Vitamin B12 deficiency happens when the body lacks adequate vitamin B12, a crucial nutrient for red blood cell production, nerve health, and DNA synthesis. This deficiency can arise from inadequate dietary intake, poor absorption in the digestive system, or certain medical conditions. Common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, anemia, neurological issues, and reduced cognitive function.
Zinc Deficiency	Zinc deficiency occurs when the body has inadequate levels of zinc, a vital mineral necessary for normal growth, immune system function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis. This deficiency can cause stunted growth, delayed sexual development, a weakened immune response, skin disorders, and cognitive impairments.

4. Efficacy of Fortified Foods in Improving Micronutrient Status

Fortified foods have emerged as a proven strategy for addressing targeted micronutrient deficiencies in vulnerable populations. Iron fortification has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of anemia, while calcium-enriched foods contribute to optimal bone growth and skeletal health. The inclusion of vitamins A and C in fortified products plays a crucial role in strengthening immune function and enhancing the absorption of dietary iron. Despite their demonstrated effectiveness, the overall impact of fortified food interventions depends on several critical factors, including their availability in local markets, affordability for low-income households, and cultural acceptability within traditional dietary practices. Ensuring these elements are addressed is essential for maximizing the public health benefits of food fortification programs

[6, 12]

Download: Download full-size image

Figure 2. Challenges in Implementation.

Although fortified food programs offer significant potential in addressing micronutrient deficiencies, their implementation is often met with several practical challenges. Inadequate infrastructure, low levels of public awareness, and persistent socio-economic constraints limit the broad uptake and accessibility of fortified products, particularly in underserved communities. Additionally, addressing malnutrition through fortification alone is insufficient, given the complex and multifactorial nature of the issue. A more holistic strategy is required—one that integrates nutrition education, the promotion of optimal complementary feeding practices, and strong policy and institutional support. Such a multi-pronged approach is essential to achieving sustainable improvements in child nutrition and overall public health

[7, 17]

5. Conclusion

While fortified food programs hold considerable promise in reducing micronutrient deficiencies, their successful implementation is often impeded by a range of operational and contextual barriers. Challenges such as insufficient infrastructure, limited public awareness, and enduring socio-economic inequalities restrict the widespread availability and utilization of fortified products, especially in marginalized and low-resource settings. Furthermore, fortification alone cannot fully resolve the complex and multifaceted problem of malnutrition. To achieve meaningful and lasting outcomes, a comprehensive approach is essential—one that combines nutrition education, the promotion of appropriate complementary feeding practices, and robust policy and institutional frameworks. This integrated strategy is vital for fostering sustainable improvements in child nutrition and advancing broader public health goals

[8, 9]

Abbreviations

MND	Micronutrient Deficiency
WHO	World Health Organization
BDHS	Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey
MNPs	Micronutrient Powders
RUTFs	ReadytoUse Therapeutic Foods
BIHS	Bangladesh Integrated Household Survey

Author Contributions

Mohammad Aktaruzzaman: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal Analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing

Chowdhury Shamsul Hoque Kibria: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal Analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing

Kiriti Kumar Dhali: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal Analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing

Mostafizur Rahman: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal Analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing

Kazi Iman: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal Analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing

Conflicts of Interest

No Conflicts of Interest.

References

[1]	National Institute of Population Research and Training, Mitra and Associates, & ICF International. (2016). Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2014.
[2]	UNICEF. (2015). National Strategy on Prevention and Control of Micronutrient Deficiencies, Bangladesh (2015-2024).
[3]	Roy, S. K., et al. (2008). Nutrition education for caretakers changed feeding behaviours and led to improved child health and growth. Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition, 26(1), 24-32.
[4]	Arimond, M., & Ruel, M. T. (2004). Dietary diversity is associated with child nutritional status: evidence from 11 demographic and health surveys. The Journal of Nutrition, 134(10), 2579-2585.
[5]	Mihrshahi, S., et al. (2010). Complementary feeding practices in Bangladesh: A review. Food and Nutrition Bulletin, 31(3), 314-327.
[6]	Bangladesh Integrated Household Survey (BIHS) 2018-2019.
[7]	World Health Organization & UNICEF. (2010). Indicators for assessing infant and young child feeding practices.
[8]	Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN). (2012). Micronutrient deficiencies in Bangladesh: A review.
[9]	Taha Z, Garemo M, Nanda J. Complementary feeding practices among infants and young children in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. BMC Public Health. 2020 Aug 27;20(1):1308. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-09393-y
[10]	Bangladesh Bank. (2002). Microfinance in Bangladesh: Paper for the SAARCFINANCE Seminar on Microfinance. Retrieved from https://www.bb.org.bd/saarcfinance/seminar/cpbdesh.php
[11]	Bhutta, Z. A., Das, J. K., Rizvi, A., Gaffey, M. F., Walker, N., Horton, S., … Group, T. L. N. I. R (2013). Evidence‐based interventions for improvement of maternal and child nutrition: What can be done and at what cost? The Lancet, 382(9890), 452-477.
[12]	Billah, S. M., Saha, K. K., Khan, A. N. S., Chowdhury, A. H., Garnett, S. P., El Arifeen, S., & Menon, P. (2017). Quality of nutrition services in primary health care facilities: Implications for integrating nutrition into the health system in Bangladesh. PLoS One, 12(5), e0178121.
[13]	Chowdhury, M. R. K., Rahman, M. S., & Khan, M. M. H. (2016). Levels and determinants of complementary feeding based on meal frequency among children of 6 to 23 months in Bangladesh. BMC Public Health, 16(1), 944.
[14]	Dewey, K. (2003). Guiding principles for complementary feeding of the breastfed child.
[15]	Frongillo, E. A., Nguyen, P. H., Saha, K. K., Sanghvi, T., Afsana, K., Haque, R., … Menon, P. (2016). Large‐scale behavior‐change initiative for infant and young child feeding advanced language and motor development in a cluster‐randomized program evaluation in Bangladesh. The Journal of Nutrition, jn240861.
[16]	Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. (2015). National strategy on prevention and control of micronutrient deficiencies, Bangaldesh (2015-2024). Retrieved from Dhaka, Bangladesh: http://iphn.dghs.gov.bd/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/NMDCS.pdf
[17]	Horta, B. L., & Victora, C. G. (2013). Long‐term effects of breastfeeding‐a systematic review.
[18]	Iannotti, L. L., Lutter, C. K., Stewart, C. P., Riofrío, C. A. G., Malo, C., Reinhart, G., … Cox, K. (2017). Eggs in early complementary feeding and child growth: A randomized controlled trial. Pediatrics, 140, e20163459.
[19]	International Food Policy Research Institute. (2016). Global nutrition report 2016: From promise to impact: Ending malnutrition by 2030. Retrieved from Washington, DC.
[20]	Jain, M., & Zeller, M. (2015). Effect of maternal time use on food intake of young children in Bangladesh.

Cite This Article

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Aktaruzzaman, M., Kibria, C. S. H., Dhali, K. K., Rahman, M., Iman, K. (2025). The Science of Right Complementary Feeding in Nutritional Intervention: Impact of Iron, Calcium, Vitamin A & C Fortified Foods for Children in Bangladesh to Combat Micronutrient Deficiency. International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences, 14(5), 359-364. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251405.19

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Aktaruzzaman, M.; Kibria, C. S. H.; Dhali, K. K.; Rahman, M.; Iman, K. The Science of Right Complementary Feeding in Nutritional Intervention: Impact of Iron, Calcium, Vitamin A & C Fortified Foods for Children in Bangladesh to Combat Micronutrient Deficiency. Int. J. Nutr. Food Sci. 2025, 14(5), 359-364. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251405.19

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Aktaruzzaman M, Kibria CSH, Dhali KK, Rahman M, Iman K. The Science of Right Complementary Feeding in Nutritional Intervention: Impact of Iron, Calcium, Vitamin A & C Fortified Foods for Children in Bangladesh to Combat Micronutrient Deficiency. Int J Nutr Food Sci. 2025;14(5):359-364. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251405.19

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251405.19,
  author = {Mohammad Aktaruzzaman and Chowdhury Shamsul Hoque Kibria and Kiriti Kumar Dhali and Mostafizur Rahman and Kazi Iman},
  title = {The Science of Right Complementary Feeding in Nutritional Intervention: Impact of Iron, Calcium, Vitamin A & C Fortified Foods for Children in Bangladesh to Combat Micronutrient Deficiency
},
  journal = {International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences},
  volume = {14},
  number = {5},
  pages = {359-364},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251405.19},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251405.19},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijnfs.20251405.19},
  abstract = {Micronutrient deficiencies (MND) among children under five years of age continue to pose a serious public health challenge in Bangladesh, contributing significantly to childhood morbidity, impaired cognitive development, and increased mortality. Despite efforts to improve nutritional outcomes, the prevalence of deficiencies in essential micronutrients such as iron, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C remains alarmingly high in this vulnerable age group. This review explores the critical role of age-appropriate complementary feeding practices and the introduction of micronutrient-fortified foods as effective strategies to combat MND in young children. While national nutrition programs and policies are in place, progress in improving complementary feeding practices has been limited over the past decade, with persistent gaps in knowledge, cultural practices, and socioeconomic barriers hindering widespread adoption. Evidence indicates that the use of fortified food products can be highly effective in addressing specific micronutrient deficits when integrated into children’s diets from an early age. However, implementation challenges—including limited awareness, uneven distribution, cost barriers, and logistical inefficiencies—continue to limit their reach and impact. This article synthesizes recent data on the nutritional status of children under five in Bangladesh, evaluates the effectiveness of current intervention strategies, and outlines key policy and programmatic recommendations aimed at enhancing the availability, accessibility, and adoption of fortified foods. Addressing these challenges holistically is essential for reducing the burden of micronutrient deficiencies and improving the health, development, and future potential of Bangladesh’s youngest population.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - The Science of Right Complementary Feeding in Nutritional Intervention: Impact of Iron, Calcium, Vitamin A & C Fortified Foods for Children in Bangladesh to Combat Micronutrient Deficiency

AU  - Mohammad Aktaruzzaman
AU  - Chowdhury Shamsul Hoque Kibria
AU  - Kiriti Kumar Dhali
AU  - Mostafizur Rahman
AU  - Kazi Iman
Y1  - 2025/10/27
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251405.19
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251405.19
T2  - International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
JF  - International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
JO  - International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
SP  - 359
EP  - 364
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2327-2716
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251405.19
AB  - Micronutrient deficiencies (MND) among children under five years of age continue to pose a serious public health challenge in Bangladesh, contributing significantly to childhood morbidity, impaired cognitive development, and increased mortality. Despite efforts to improve nutritional outcomes, the prevalence of deficiencies in essential micronutrients such as iron, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C remains alarmingly high in this vulnerable age group. This review explores the critical role of age-appropriate complementary feeding practices and the introduction of micronutrient-fortified foods as effective strategies to combat MND in young children. While national nutrition programs and policies are in place, progress in improving complementary feeding practices has been limited over the past decade, with persistent gaps in knowledge, cultural practices, and socioeconomic barriers hindering widespread adoption. Evidence indicates that the use of fortified food products can be highly effective in addressing specific micronutrient deficits when integrated into children’s diets from an early age. However, implementation challenges—including limited awareness, uneven distribution, cost barriers, and logistical inefficiencies—continue to limit their reach and impact. This article synthesizes recent data on the nutritional status of children under five in Bangladesh, evaluates the effectiveness of current intervention strategies, and outlines key policy and programmatic recommendations aimed at enhancing the availability, accessibility, and adoption of fortified foods. Addressing these challenges holistically is essential for reducing the burden of micronutrient deficiencies and improving the health, development, and future potential of Bangladesh’s youngest population.

VL  - 14
IS  - 5
ER  -

Copy | Download

Author Information

Mohammad Aktaruzzaman

Department of Pediatrics, Dr. MR Khan Shishu Hospital & ICH, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0003-7459-7305
Chowdhury Shamsul Hoque Kibria

Department of Pediatrics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0001-5896-9389
Kiriti Kumar Dhali

Department of Pediatrics, Dr. MR Khan Shishu Hospital & ICH, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0001-6906-2969
Mostafizur Rahman

Department of Pediatrics, Dr. MR Khan Shishu Hospital & ICH, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0005-7553-9777
Kazi Iman

Department of Pediatrics, Dr. MR Khan Shishu Hospital & ICH, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9866-3483

Download PDF

Submit an Article

Table 1

Table 1. Definitions of various micronutrient deficiencies [5, 10, 11].

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Aktaruzzaman, M., Kibria, C. S. H., Dhali, K. K., Rahman, M., Iman, K. (2025). The Science of Right Complementary Feeding in Nutritional Intervention: Impact of Iron, Calcium, Vitamin A & C Fortified Foods for Children in Bangladesh to Combat Micronutrient Deficiency. International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences, 14(5), 359-364. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251405.19

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Aktaruzzaman, M.; Kibria, C. S. H.; Dhali, K. K.; Rahman, M.; Iman, K. The Science of Right Complementary Feeding in Nutritional Intervention: Impact of Iron, Calcium, Vitamin A & C Fortified Foods for Children in Bangladesh to Combat Micronutrient Deficiency. Int. J. Nutr. Food Sci. 2025, 14(5), 359-364. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251405.19

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Aktaruzzaman M, Kibria CSH, Dhali KK, Rahman M, Iman K. The Science of Right Complementary Feeding in Nutritional Intervention: Impact of Iron, Calcium, Vitamin A & C Fortified Foods for Children in Bangladesh to Combat Micronutrient Deficiency. Int J Nutr Food Sci. 2025;14(5):359-364. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251405.19

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251405.19,
  author = {Mohammad Aktaruzzaman and Chowdhury Shamsul Hoque Kibria and Kiriti Kumar Dhali and Mostafizur Rahman and Kazi Iman},
  title = {The Science of Right Complementary Feeding in Nutritional Intervention: Impact of Iron, Calcium, Vitamin A & C Fortified Foods for Children in Bangladesh to Combat Micronutrient Deficiency
},
  journal = {International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences},
  volume = {14},
  number = {5},
  pages = {359-364},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251405.19},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251405.19},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijnfs.20251405.19},
  abstract = {Micronutrient deficiencies (MND) among children under five years of age continue to pose a serious public health challenge in Bangladesh, contributing significantly to childhood morbidity, impaired cognitive development, and increased mortality. Despite efforts to improve nutritional outcomes, the prevalence of deficiencies in essential micronutrients such as iron, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C remains alarmingly high in this vulnerable age group. This review explores the critical role of age-appropriate complementary feeding practices and the introduction of micronutrient-fortified foods as effective strategies to combat MND in young children. While national nutrition programs and policies are in place, progress in improving complementary feeding practices has been limited over the past decade, with persistent gaps in knowledge, cultural practices, and socioeconomic barriers hindering widespread adoption. Evidence indicates that the use of fortified food products can be highly effective in addressing specific micronutrient deficits when integrated into children’s diets from an early age. However, implementation challenges—including limited awareness, uneven distribution, cost barriers, and logistical inefficiencies—continue to limit their reach and impact. This article synthesizes recent data on the nutritional status of children under five in Bangladesh, evaluates the effectiveness of current intervention strategies, and outlines key policy and programmatic recommendations aimed at enhancing the availability, accessibility, and adoption of fortified foods. Addressing these challenges holistically is essential for reducing the burden of micronutrient deficiencies and improving the health, development, and future potential of Bangladesh’s youngest population.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - The Science of Right Complementary Feeding in Nutritional Intervention: Impact of Iron, Calcium, Vitamin A & C Fortified Foods for Children in Bangladesh to Combat Micronutrient Deficiency

AU  - Mohammad Aktaruzzaman
AU  - Chowdhury Shamsul Hoque Kibria
AU  - Kiriti Kumar Dhali
AU  - Mostafizur Rahman
AU  - Kazi Iman
Y1  - 2025/10/27
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251405.19
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251405.19
T2  - International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
JF  - International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
JO  - International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
SP  - 359
EP  - 364
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2327-2716
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251405.19
AB  - Micronutrient deficiencies (MND) among children under five years of age continue to pose a serious public health challenge in Bangladesh, contributing significantly to childhood morbidity, impaired cognitive development, and increased mortality. Despite efforts to improve nutritional outcomes, the prevalence of deficiencies in essential micronutrients such as iron, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C remains alarmingly high in this vulnerable age group. This review explores the critical role of age-appropriate complementary feeding practices and the introduction of micronutrient-fortified foods as effective strategies to combat MND in young children. While national nutrition programs and policies are in place, progress in improving complementary feeding practices has been limited over the past decade, with persistent gaps in knowledge, cultural practices, and socioeconomic barriers hindering widespread adoption. Evidence indicates that the use of fortified food products can be highly effective in addressing specific micronutrient deficits when integrated into children’s diets from an early age. However, implementation challenges—including limited awareness, uneven distribution, cost barriers, and logistical inefficiencies—continue to limit their reach and impact. This article synthesizes recent data on the nutritional status of children under five in Bangladesh, evaluates the effectiveness of current intervention strategies, and outlines key policy and programmatic recommendations aimed at enhancing the availability, accessibility, and adoption of fortified foods. Addressing these challenges holistically is essential for reducing the burden of micronutrient deficiencies and improving the health, development, and future potential of Bangladesh’s youngest population.

VL  - 14
IS  - 5
ER  -

Copy | Download