LAUSR

OBJECTIVE Undernutrition, stunted growth and obesity remain a concern in Algeria. Currently, limited data are available on nutrient intakes among children. Our study aimed to describe food and nutrient intakes and the role of milk formulas among Algerian children. DESIGN Dietary intakes were collected using a 4-day interview-based survey for children aged 0-24 months, living in urban areas in Algeria in 2019. SETTING Food consumptions were described. For children aged 6-24 months, nutrient intakes and adequacy were estimated. Modelling was used to estimate the nutritional impact of substituting cow's milk for age-appropriate infant formulas. PARTICIPANTS 446 children aged 0-24 months. RESULTS Before 6 months, 91.6% of infants were breastfed. Breastmilk was also the main milk consumed between 6 and 12 months, whereas cow's milk predominated after 12 months. In children aged 6-24 months, nutrient adequacy prevalence was above 75% for the majority of nutrients. However, less than 30% of the children had adequate intakes for total fats, iron and vitamin D. Simulated substitution of cow's milk for infant formulas led to improved adequacy for proteins, iron, vitamins D and E. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that breastfeeding rates were high until 6 months, then declined with age. Consumed foods allowed Algerian children aged 6-24 months to meet most of their nutritional needs, but inadequate intakes were reported for some key nutrients. Our modelling suggested that formulas may help to improve nutrient adequacy among non-breastfed infants. Other dietary changes could also be further investigated to enable children to meet all nutritional recommendations.