Supplementary Feeding and Formulated Foods

Abstract

By definition, programs of supplementary feeding and use of formulated food aim to improve the nutritional status of populations by upgrading the quality of the diet. This may be accomplished either through the introduction of a single nutrient, if this is what is needed, or through the introduction of a mixture of nutrients for a more balanced food. Formulated foods may have other functions as well, such as, helping to bring about a transition to consumption of better diets, serving as an adjunct to breast milk during weaning, serving as ingredients for extending present dietary components, complementing food intakes, and replacing food items that, for one reason or another, are not consumed by the target population.