Introduction:

The introduction of complementary feeding is an important moment in a child's growth. Food guides are the translation of nutritional goals into practical advice and take on fundamental value in the early stages of life.

Objectives:

Estimate food consumption in children under two years old in Las Tunas province.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study, with two-stage random sampling, was conducted in children aged from 6 to 23 months. The sample size was of 495 children. A food consumption by 24-hours reminder´s survey was applied and the adequacy of food portions ingested was estimated according to the recommendations of the children under 2 years´ food guides. The food diversity index was calculated.

Results:

Continued breastfeeding at 1 year of age was 34.5% in the group under one year and 10.6% in the 1 to 2 years group. Low consumption compliance with the portions of vegetables, fruits, fats and eggs recommended in food guides was observed. 84.5% of children under one-year-old and 42.1% of those in 1 to 2 years old exceeded the recommended daily energy consumption.

Conclusions:

The food portions recommended in the food guides for healthy eating in children under two years old are not met. The high percentage of children with excessive energy intakes is a factor that predispose to obesity in early stages of life.

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