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Complementary Feeding in Infants: An Ayurvedic Overview

Article · August 2019

DOI: 10.31142/ijahm/v9i4.03

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International Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine 9:4 (2019) 3568–3573
Journal homepage: http://www.interscience.org.uk
DOI:10.31142/ijahm/v9i4.03
Impact Factor: 4.415

Complementary Feeding in Infants: An Ayurvedic Overview

1
Dr. Asha.S., 2Dr.Maheshwar.T
1
Research Officer (Ay), Dr. A. Lakshmipathi Research Centre for Ayurveda,Chennai.
2
Assistant Director In- Charge, Dr. A. Lakshmipathi Research Centre for Ayurveda,Chennai.

Corresponding Author: Dr. Asha.S.

Research Officer (Ay), Dr.A.Lakshmipathi Research Centre for Ayurveda,Chennai

Abstract
Complementary feeding (commonly known as weaning) means gradual introduction of foods to baby other
than breast milk when breast milk alone is insufficient to meet the nutritional requirements. This systematic
transition from breastfeeding to complementary foods normally extends from 6 months to 2 years and is
considered as a very vulnerable period. Proper complementary feeding is a major intervention in reducing
under five mortality rate especially in developing countries. The guidelines for infant feeding mentioned in
Ayurveda are on par with the modern infant nutrition practices. Phalaprasana and Annaprasana which
marks the ceremonial introduction of fruits and cereals are mentioned in Ayurvedic classics along with
various complementary foods and nutritional supplements which can provide enough energy and nutrients to
meet the requirements of the rapid growing child. Breastfeeding should be continued up to 2 years along
with the complementary foods. An attempt has been made to combine various descriptions about
complementary feeding from classical Ayurvedic text books and to interpret them in the light of scientific
studies and knowledge.

Keywords: Ayurveda, infant nutrition, complementary feeding, sthanya apanayana,phalaprasana,

annaprasana.

Introduction
Ayurveda has given prime significance for nutrition and dietary practices and Ahara is considered as one
among the three pillars supporting life (Traya Upasthambha).1 Excellence of ingested food is an important
factor which is responsible for proper growth and development. Dietary requirement of an individual varies
with age, sex and physical activities so that it provides sufficient energy for all life processes, growth, repair
and maintenance. So selection of proper diet is considered as the corner stone of health, especially in the
case of young children whose growth and development occurs at a rapid pace. As per Acharya Kashyapa
place ,time and digestive capacity should not be transgressed while selecting diet for children.2 Ayurveda
considers diet as the greatest medicament3 and if nourishment is proper it imparts satisfaction, nutrition,
patience, intellect, enthusiasm, virility, strength, good voice, ojas, glow, longevity, radiance etc.4Optimal
feeding of child with adequate nutrients is regarded as the most effective method to attain proper growth and
development which occurs at a rapid pace during the first few years of life. Failure of this can cause adverse
effects on health of the child. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-4 (2015-16) indicates that 35.7 %
children below five years are underweight, 38.4% are stunted and 21 % are wasted in the country. Child
undernutrition is an underlying cause in an estimated 35% of all deaths among children under five years and
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21% of total global disability adjusted life years lost among under 5 age group of children. Undernutrition is
strongly associated with shorter adult height, less schooling, reduced economic productivity and for women,
lower offspring birthweight. Low birthweight and undernutrition in childhood are risk factors for diabetes,
hypertension and dyslipidemias in adulthood.5 Phakka, Parigarbhika etc are important kuposhanajanya
vyadhis or nurtritional disorders that are described due to improper feeding practices. As per UNICEF,
proper breastfeeding and complementary feeding are two interventions that are estimated to prevent one –
fifth of total under- five mortality rates in developing countries.6

Proper infant and young child feeding

WHO/UNICEF have emphasized the first 1000 days of life i.e, the 270 days in-utero and the first two years
after birth as the critical window period for nutritional interventions. In case of any growth faltering or
deficiencies of micronutrients it is very difficult to reverse them after 2 years of age. During antenatal
period, child’s nutrition solely depends on mother’s nutrition. As per Ayurveda,whatever food the pregnant
mother takes, it is divided into three parts- one part is for the mother’s nutrition, one part is for developing
nutrients in breast milk and the remaining part is for nourishment of the fetus.7 After birth, child should be
breastfed within an hour and exclusive breastfeeding should be carried out up to 6 months of age. During
this phase, additional food or fluid is not required as breast milk is nutritionally complete for child’s growth
and development and it protects from infections and strengthens immune system.8 Ayurveda has well
emphasised benefits of breastfeeding and has stated that breast milk alone is needed for growth and
development of the child.9 Dietary regimen and lifestyle modifications to be followed for improving
quantity and quality of breast milk has been mentioned in Ayurvedic classics.
After six months of age, breast milk alone is not enough to meet the requirements of growing child. The gap
between nutritional requirement and amount obtained from breast milk increases with age. So
complementary feeding has to be initiated during this period to meet up with the extra energy requirements.
Complementary feeding refers to food which complements breast milk and ensures that the child continues
to have enough energy, protein and other nutrients to grow normally.10 Ayurveda has also greatly
emphasized complementary feeding practices and its initiation is considered as an important milestone in the
life of the child. Breast feeding should be continued along with complimentary feeding up to 2 years of age.
Because of various socio- economic and cultural factors, lack of proper complementary feeding still remains
as a challenge to child nutrition. So caretakers should be motivated to provide a balanced diet.

Age to introduce complimentary diet

Nutritional requirement varies in every stage of growth in the child and hence timely feeding of proper diet
is considered as an important factor determining wellness of the child. Ayurvedic classics have mentioned
gradual withdrawal of breast feeding as sthanya apananyana vidhi and introduction of fruits or semisolid
food as phalaprasana- annaprasana vidhi . It is considered as an important milestone in the growth and
development of the child. Ayurvedic way of age classification of children is also based on their main diet
viz; Ksheerapa- child upto 1 year of age whose main diet continues to be breastmilk, Ksheerannada- child
upto 2 years who feeds on milk and semisolid foods and Annada- child above 2 years who takes foods other
than milk as main diet.11 As per opinion of Vagbhata, gradual withdrawal from breastfeeding should be done
when teething starts and child should be gradually accustomed with suitable nourishing food which are
easily digestible. Acharya Kashyapa has instructed phalaprasana during 6th month of life, which indicates
feeding the child with fruits and fruit juices. Introduction of cereals as semisolids ie, Annaprasana has been
explained by Kashyapa in the 10 th month or after eruption of teeth.12 while Vagbhata and Susrutha has
explained it in 6th month.

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Given that growth is generally not improved by complementary feeding before 6 months even under optimal
conditions and also there can be a tendency to displace breast milk, complementary feeding is not
recommended before 6 months. As the child grows, there will be a rapid rise in nutritional demands and also
there will be gradual depletion of iron and calcium store in the body. Breast milk output of mother increases
till 6 months and later plateaus off. Birth weight of the baby doubles by 5 months of age and needs around
600-700 kcal/day. But daily breast milk output of 600 ml provides only 400 kcal which will be insufficient
for the baby. Developmental signs like head control, hand mouth coordination and palmar grasp are seen
between four to six months of age. Gum hardens prior to tooth eruption and biting movements begins.
Intestinal amylase matures and gut of the baby becomes ready to accept cereals and pulses. Thus 6 months
seems to be the best time to introduce semisolid foods to baby. Early weaning is often due to ignorance and
leads to contamination and infection due to the unhygienic preparation. Late weaning leads to stunted
growth and malnutrition.13 In India, at the age of 6-8 months only 54 percent of breast fed and 75 per cent of
non-breast fed infants are initiated into complimentary feeds.14 It is advisable to follow the whole procedure
of complementary feeding in gradual steps starting from Phalaprasana, then Annaprasana and then finally
Sthanya apananayana extending from 6 months to 18-24 months of age. Complementary feeding should be
considered as a bridge between liquid food and solid food that prepares the child to consume all food
prepared at home ie,family pot feeding.

General considerations of complementary feeding

Balanced Nutrition: As per WHO,the energy needs from complementary foods for infants with “average”
breast milk intake in developing countries are approximately 200 kcal per day at 6-8 months of age, 300 kcal
per day at 9-11 months of age, and 550 kcal per day at 12-23 months of age.15 Child should be fed with
balanced diet which offers 55-60% calories from carbohydrates, 10-12% from proteins and 25-30% from
fat. Most of our traditional foods are bulky and a child cannot eat large quantities at a time. Hence,it is
important to give small energy dense feeds at frequent intervals to ensure adequate energy intakes by the
child. Cereals in general provide about 350 calories per 100g and are poor sources of protein. Energy density
of foods given to infants and young children can be increased without increasing the bulk by adding
snehadravyas like oil or ghee in every feed. Fat is a concentrated source of energy and increases energy
content of food without increasing the bulk. Sugar and jaggery can be added in infant foods. Amylase rich
foods reduce the viscosity of the foods and therefore, the child can eat more quantities at a time.16 Kashyapa
suggests feeding the child with meat of certain birds and with variety of foods to ensure that protein and
other nutrient needs are properly met. Pulses which are rich sources of protein are to be given in appropriate
quantity. Cereal- pulse mixture can be given in the ratio of 2:1. Fruits and vegetables should be given daily
to prevent deficiency of vitamins and minerals. To the child having pitta predominant constitution, Mrdvika(
grapes) with honey and ghee can be given and to child with Vata predominant constitution, juice of
Matulunga(Citron fruit)can be given.17 In Ashtanga Hridaya it is suggested that child should be fed with
laghu(easily digestible) and brimhana(nourishing)diet along with milk.
Consistency: Gradually increase food consistency and variety as the infant grows up, considering the his/her
requirements and abilities. Infants can eat pureed, mashed and semisolid foods beginning at six months.
Kashyapa has suggested feeding of various fruits in the 6th month(Phalaprasana) which can be given as
puree or in mashed form. By 8 months,most infants can also eat finger foods. And by 12 months, most
children can eat the same types of foods as consumed by the rest of the family. Foods that can cause choking
such as nuts, grapes, raw carrots should be avoided. For small children, the food should not contain
particulate matter that may trigger gag reflex or vomiting. Thin gruels do not provide enough energy; a
young infant particularly during 6-9 months requires thick but smooth mixtures.18 Food that sticks on to

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Dr. Asha.S. , International Journal of Ayurvedic & Herbal Medicine 9(4) July.-August. 2019 (3568-3573)
spoon is the right consistency. Kashyapa suggests that after eruption of teeth or in 10th month, feeding of
cereals (annaprasana) should be done after making food soft in consistency by mashing(sumrdidam).19
Quantity :At 6 months of age, feed should be started with small amount as much as 1-2 teaspoons and the
quantity is increased gradually as the child gets older and starts to accept food better. Kashyapa suggests that
quantity of food to be given to the child should be equal to size of thumb in the beginning and should be
fortified effectively. Child should be given time to adapt gradually from smaller quantity to larger quantity.
Frequency: An average healthy breastfed infant needs complementary foods 2-3 times per day at 6-8 months
of age and 3-4 times per day at 9-24 months. For children of 12-24 months of age, additional nutritious
snacks such as a piece of fruit should also be offered 1-2 times per day. If energy density or amount of food
per meal is low, or the child is no longer breastfed, more frequent meals should be provided.20 When
semisolid foods are being introduced, Kashyapa has suggested feeding the infant 3 to 5 times daily and after
that, congenial diet should be given to the child with a gap of one or two periods giving consideration to
place of living, metabolism, strength and time factor. 21
Hygiene: Good hygiene and proper food handling should be practiced to prevent children from infections
and malnutrition. Hygienic practices should be followed during food preparation, storage and feeding.
Feeding the infants and children should be an active, engaging and interactive affair.

Ayurvedic complimentary foods

Weaning foods should be acceptable culturally, available locally, inexpensive, may be home made, clean
and hygienic. The foods should be suitable to child, rich in energy and nutrients, prepared easily and easily
digestible.22
Acharya Kashyapa has mentioned that after 12th month, child should be fed with gruels prepared with husk
free Sali and Shashtika rice,mixed with oleaginous substances and salt. Rice(Oryza sativa) is rich in
carbohydrate and also contains vitamins and minerals like Iron, Zinc, Calcium etc. It is a good promoter of
nourishment and is easily digestible. Godhuma(Wheat) and Yava(Barley) powders can be cooked and given
to the child according to congeniality. Godhuma( Triticum aestivum) contains carbohydrates, proteins, fatty
acids, minerals etc and has body nourishing and immunomodulatory actions. Yava(Hordeum vulgare)
contains starch, sugars, fats, proteins and glycosides. It imparts strength and stoutness to body. Gruels
prepared out of these cereals can be given to the child with proper fortification of nutrients. Vidanga(
Embelia ribes) cooked with salt and oleaginous substances is also beneficial to the child and in one having
diarrhoea, Kodrava(Paspalum scrobiculatum Linn.) should be mixed.23 Vidanga is beneficial in treating
helminthic and other gastrointestinal disorders. Kodrava or Kodo millet is a good substitute for wheat or rice
and is rich in fibre content. It has good antioxidant activity which helps in managing persistant
gastrointestinal disturbances. Adding lavana to food improves palatability, kindles digestive fire and
increases bioavailability. Energy density of the food is increased by adding sneha dravyas.
Acharya Vagbhata has prescribed various nutritional supplements in the form of Modaka (sweet balls) to
cope up with the nutritional deficiencies and other gastrointestinal related disorders arising during weaning
period. These are preparations specially developed to meet the nutritional needs of the infant as the usual
family diets in our country are often inadequate for proper growth of the child.
Priyala Majjadi Modaka- This weaning food can be used for improving infant’s nutritional status and is
prepared by using powders of priyala majja (Buchanania lanzan), yasthimadhu(Glycyrrhiza glabra
),laja(rice pops), sitopala (sugarcandy) and madhu(honey). It is easily palatable and is rich in nutrients. Both
Priyala and Yashti are sweet in taste and pacify vata-pitta. They have nourishing properties of all tissues and
promotes strength. It is called as Preenana Modaka.

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Dr. Asha.S. , International Journal of Ayurvedic & Herbal Medicine 9(4) July.-August. 2019 (3568-3573)
Dhatkyadi modaka- It is prepared with Dhatakipushpa(Woodfordia fruticosa), Sharkara (sugar candy) and
Laja(rice pop) and is good in children who suffers from repeated attacks of Diarrhoeal disorders as it is
having antihelminthic, constipating , anti bacterial properties.It is known as Samgrahi modaka.
Bala Vilvadi Modaka –It is indicated in infants with weak digestive capacity. It is prepared with Bala Vilwa
(Unripe fruit of Aegle marmelos) Ela(cardamom), sharkara (sugar candy), laja saktu(rice pops).24 Bala
Vilwa is having hot potency and it kindles digestive fire. Ela improves digestion and taste. It is called
Deepana modaka. In all the three nutritional supplements, the ingredients have good nutritional value in
addition to their medicinal properties. Adding ghrita (Ghee) and jaggery will again increase the caloric value
making them energy dense food.

Conclusion
Complementary feeding or weaning is an important intervention in preventing malnutrition in children.
After exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, child should be gradually accustomed to semisolid foods to meet
the increasing nutritional requirements of the body.Modifying family food is an effective way of ensuring
proper complementary feeding and diversified food will improve the micronutrient status of the child. Infant
feeding practices mentioned in Ayurveda correlates with the current Infant and Young child feeding
guidelines. Complementary and supplementary foods mentioned in classical texts are well enough to provide
balanced nutrition for the growing child. Based on the principles of complementary feeding mentioned in
Ayurveda, infant foods have to be formulated considering current availability, acceptability, nutritional
status and cost effectiveness of ingredients. Scientific validation of nutritional supplements suggested in
Ayurveda is essential for its recognition and acceptance in modern era and thus can bring out a solution for
bridging the nutritional crisis commonly occurring during weaning period, in a naturalistic way.

References
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