PONE-D-23-41996Prevalence, Variety, and Iron and Zinc Content of Commercial Infant and Toddler Foods Sold in the United States that Contain MeatPLOS ONE

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 [Susan L. Johnson, Kameron J. Moding, Catherine Forestell, and Katherine J. Barrett report that financial support was provided by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association with funding from the Checkoff Program for this study.  Contract # 25B0508.].  

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[Susan L. Johnson, Kameron J. Moding, Catherine Forestell, and Katherine J. Barrett report that financial support was provided by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association with funding from the Checkoff Program for this study.  Contract # 25B0508.]. 

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Reviewers' comments:

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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5. Review Comments to the Author

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Reviewer #1: The study provides valuable insights into the nutrient composition of commercially available infant and toddler foods (ITFs) containing meat, focusing on iron and zinc content in the US. The categorization of products by intended age/stage and meat type offers a structured analysis of nutrient variability in these food items. Findings highlight the potential challenges in meeting iron and zinc requirements in infants during the complementary feeding period, when relying on commercial infant and toddler foods containing meat, emphasizing the importance of nutrient-rich food choices for infants and toddlers.

This study has discussed an important aspect of child health and nutrition by assessing the nutrient content of ITFs. However, the small sample size and limited variety of meat products may affect the generalizability of the results. Nonetheless, it provides a valuable direction for future research and further exploration. Future studies should aim to increase the sample size and incorporate a broader range of meat products to enhance the robustness and generalizability of the findings.

Some minor comments from my end:

- Line 27 – 31: Does it imply that human milk alone may not always provide sufficient iron and zinc for infants, and therefore, complementary foods with these nutrients are important, especially during the transition to solid foods? Please decipher.

- Line 157 – 168: I would encourage the authors to include a table for the description data.

- I suggest that the authors include a discussion on the implications of the study findings for public health policies, particularly advocating for improved regulations or guidelines to enhance the nutritional quality of infant and toddler foods.

Reviewer #2: Well, written manuscript on an important public health issue especially in context to micronutrient requirements in growing children.

The methodology is sound and scientific.

In the current scenario with many mothers using ready-made food, this study provides rationale of supplementation of zinc and iron in addition to complimentary diet

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Reviewer #1: Yes: Ahmad Khan

Reviewer #2: Yes: Shabina Ariff

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Prevalence, Variety, and Iron and Zinc Content of Commercial Infant and Toddler Foods Sold in the United States that Contain Meat

PONE-D-23-41996R1

Hi Dr. Johnson,

We’re pleased to inform you that your manuscript has been judged scientifically suitable for publication and will be formally accepted for publication once it meets all outstanding technical requirements.

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Kind regards,

Sajid Bashir Soofi

Academic Editor

PLOS ONE

Additional Editor Comments (optional):

Dear Authors, Thank you for addressing the comments. Congratulations now your paper is accepted for publication.

Reviewers' comments: