Cross-sectional study of nutritive profile and association with feeding practices in infants at 6 to 7 months of age

Objectives: The objective of the study is to compare anthropometric indices and serum calcium and iron status among apparently healthy 6–7-month-old term infants across three feeding groups: Exclusive breastfeeding, early cessation of breastfeeding with exclusive formula feeding thereafter (non-breastfed) and continued breastfeeding with complementary feeds (early complementary feeding). Material and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2022 to June 2024 at a tertiary paediatric hospital. A total of 215 apparently healthy term infants aged 6–7 months attending the hospital for routine immunisation or well-baby follow-up visits were enrolled. Weight, length and head circumference were measured using standard techniques. Venous blood samples were collected for estimation of serum calcium and iron status. Anthropometric indices were expressed as the World Health Organization Z-scores. Results: There were no statistically significant differences among the three feeding groups with respect to length-for-age, weight-for-age, weight-for-length z-score categories, head circumference centiles, serum calcium levels or biochemical iron deficiency. Conclusion: Among apparently healthy term infants aged 6–7 months, different feeding practices were associated with comparable anthropometric measurements and biochemical markers of calcium and iron status.