Complementary feeding patterns in Europe with a special focus on Italy

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nutrition
• Public Health
• Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

• Early nutrition significantly influences long-term obesity development.
• Complementary feeding practices vary widely across European nations.
• Current data on infant nutrient intake and metabolic effects during this period is insufficient.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of complementary feeding patterns in Europe.
• To identify risk factors associated with early introduction of solid foods.
• To highlight gaps in knowledge regarding infant nutrient intake and metabolic outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and data on complementary feeding across European countries.
• Analysis of common first foods and influencing factors like maternal age, socioeconomic status, and breastfeeding.
• Examination of online resources, including food industry websites and blogs, for nutritional accuracy.

Main Results:

• A majority of European infants are introduced to solids before the World Health Organization's recommended six months.
• Maternal smoking, young maternal age, low socioeconomic status, and lack of breastfeeding are linked to early solid food introduction.
• Fruit and cereals are the most common first foods, with variations based on country and feeding type.

Conclusions:

• Significant gaps exist in understanding infant nutrient intake and metabolic effects of complementary feeding in Europe.
• Online resources often provide nutritionally inadequate information, potentially impacting infant health.
• Further research is crucial to optimize complementary feeding practices and safeguard children's long-term health, aligning with children's rights.