Seasonal variation in nutrient intakes among infants and young children from farming households in rural Tanzania

In rural Tanzania, complementary diets for infants and young children are predominantly cereal-based and low in nutrient density, contributing to high stunting prevalence. This study assessed seasonal nutrient variations and dietary pattern impacts on nutritional status in children from agricultural households. Mothers with infants <24 months (n = 220) were selected in both regions. A semi-longitudinal survey design captured data across pre-harvest (February–March 2014) and post-harvest (July–August 2014) seasons. Demographics, anthropometrics, and haemoglobin concentrations were recorded. The amount and type of foods consumed by children were assessed using quantitative 24-hour dietary recalls, pre-and post-harvest. Linear regression analysis was used to model the relationship between nutrient intake and nutrition outcomes. Low nutrient content of complementary meals, particularly fat, Ca, Fe, Zinc, vitamins A, D and B12 and high stunting rates (34% to 40%) existed in both seasons. Energy intake increased significantly during the post-harvest across age groups; infants (12–24 months) failed to meet energy requirements during the pre-harvest. Mothers’ age, height, and BMI were strong predictors of child anthropometrics in both seasons. The study reveals inadequate dietary intake, poor complementary diet quality, and high stunting prevalence across seasons, underscoring the need for context-specific, nutrition-sensitive interventions to enhance dietary diversity and mitigate undernutrition.