Challenges and opportunities of exclusive breastfeeding and food security in developing countries: Case study in Lao PDR

February 22, 2024 | 10:00 h - 11:30 h

We'd like to invite you to our upcoming Public Lecture!

Topic: Challenges and opportunities of exclusive breastfeeding and food security in developing countries: Case study in Lao PDR

Speaker: Prof. Dr. Kitti Sranacharoenpong, ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, Thailand.

How to join

The lecture will be held in hybrid mode (zoom and in-person at ZEF). 
You can join us in-person at ZEF, ground floor, conference room, Genscherallee 3, 53113 Bonn,
or online via Zoom: https://uni-bonn.zoom-x.de/j/64764881632?pwd=RmFjb3RIbVM0ZHcxay9vdWhMYWo3Zz09

Abstract:

Background: According to recommendations, infants should be breastfed exclusively for the first six months of life. However, understanding the situation and long-term effects on Laotian infants depends on the quantity and quality of breast milk (BM).

Methods: In Luang Prabang, we collected data during winter and rainy seasons. The amount of BM was determined using the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'s stable isotope technique. Nutrients related to child growth were examined in the quality of hind BM. The nutritional status, food pattern, and intake of mothers were all evaluated.

Results: Overall number of subjects was 67 mother-infant pairs (winter season, n=35, and rainy season, n=32). The overall mean (SD) of BM quantity was 782(189) mL. The overall average of energy, protein, lipid, and carbohydrate contents of hind BM per 100 mL were 77.7(12.9) kcal, 1.3(0.2) g, 4.4(1.4) g, and 8.2(0.4) g, respectively. The amounts of vitamin A, calcium, and phosphorus were 54.8(21.6) g, 26.9(5.0) mg, and 22.9(6.0) mg, respectively. Docosahexaenoic acid accounted for 0.02 g of total fatty acids. Other fatty acids were practically absent. The levels of macro- and micronutrients differed significantly between seasons (P<.05). Using cooking oil and consumption of meat products were restricted. Several food taboos remained in effect for breastfeeding women.

Conclusions: Although exclusive breastfeeding offers numerous benefits to newborns, Laotian lactating women's eating habits should be improved, with a focus on fatty acid content. These findings will support the Ministry of Health, Lao PDR in building policies and guidelines encouraging food-based approaches for them.

Associate Professor Dr. Kitti Sranacharoenpong has worked at the Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University in Thailand since 1998. He moved to work as a fulltime professor the ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University in 2023. He graduated PhD. in Applied Health Sciences from the School of Public Health and Health Systems at the University of Waterloo, Canada in 2009.