Food consumption markers and associated factors in children aged 6 to 23 months: a stratified analysis by six-month age group.

Abstract

Revista Científica da FAMINAS - ISSN online: (2763-941X), v. 20, n. 2, p. x-x, 2025. https://periodicos.faminas.edu.br/index.php/RCFaminas

 

Introduction: The first two years of life represent a critical period for child growth and development, during which nutrition influences the formation of healthy habits and the prevention of chronic diseases. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between food consumption markers, sociodemographic characteristics, and pacifier and bottle use in children aged 6 to 23 months treated by the public health system. Methodology: One hundred and seventy-seven children were evaluated using a sociodemographic questionnaire and a food consumption marker form from SISVAN. This study originates from a Scientific Initiation project, approved by the Research Ethics Committee with Human Beings of the Governador Ozanam Coelho University Center – UNIFAGOC. The consumption of fruits, vegetables, and ultra-processed foods was analyzed, as well as the use of pacifiers and baby bottles, stratified by age groups. Results: Among 177 children aged 6 to 23 months, a progressive reduction in fruit and vegetable consumption was observed with age, concomitant with an increase in the consumption of ultra-processed foods, such as sweetened beverages, hamburgers, processed meats, and instant noodles. Bottle feeding was more frequent in older children, which may interfere with breastfeeding. There were no relevant differences in sociodemographic characteristics between the age groups. Conclusion: The findings highlight worrying dietary patterns and reinforce the need to strengthen primary health care, with educational strategies and public policies focused on healthy eating, preventing the consumption of ultra-processed foods, and encouraging breastfeeding, ensuring adequate growth and sustainable child development.