The age 6-23 months is a vulnerable stage of growth mainly due to
poor complementary feeding practices. This study aimed to assess
the adequacy of complementary foods and explore opportunities
of using locally available foods to improve nutrient intake. The
research was carried out in four randomly selected districts in
Vihiga County, Western Kenya.A cross sectional analytical design
was used on a sample of 201 children aged 6-23 months. Actual
measurement of the amount of foods consumed was done. Data
were analysed using the ENA for SMART, Nutri-survey and SPSS
computer software. Most caregivers (78.2%) had low education
level of below primary school, were farmers or casual labourer
(48.8%) and 77.1% had low levels of income (< 8000 KES). The
average household size was 5.71. About 74.6% of infants were
breastfed. The average number of meals consumed per day was
4.2. The diet contained more of the starchy foods than the other
food groups. Except for protein consumed in adequate amounts by
52%, over 50% did not meet the RDAs for other nutrients including
energy. The children consumed a variety of traditional vegetables
which were however served as broth. Fruits were not frequently
consumed by over 40% of the children. The levels of wasting,
stunting and underweight were 3.5%, 15.4% and 7.5%, respectively.
The complementary feeding practices did not enable the children
to meet the macronutrient and micronutrients requirements.
This study recommends use of locally available foods to improve
nutrient intake