Influence of Maternal Eating Habits on Milk Composition and Growth of Infants Aged 0 to 24 Months at the Albert Royer National Children's Hospital (CHNEAR) in Dakar

Breastfeeding is recognized as the best source of nutrition for infants, but the qualité of breast milk varies depending on the mother's diet. This study conducted at the Albert Royer National Children's Hospital (CHNEAR) in Dakar aims to assess the influence of maternal dietary habits on milk composition and infant growth. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 30 breastfeeding mothers and their children aged 0 to 24 months. The results reveal that the majority of mothers had a diversified diet, with only 57% respecting three meals a day compared to 33%. According to the values obtained, there were more housewives (54%) compared to (13%) for those who were professionals. The study showed that 36.7% of infants weighed ≥7.2kg, while 23.3% of infants weighed ≤7.2kg. Certain cultural practices and the consumption of ultra-processed foods could compromise the nutritional quality of milk. The infants' weight and height growth were generally satisfactory, but digestive problems were observed in a minority of them. The study recommends increased awareness of the importance of a balanced diet during breastfeeding and highlights the need for the food industry to develop suitable fortified products within an ethical framework that respects public health recommendations.