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Timing of the introduction of complementary foods in infancy: a randomized controlled trial

Olof H Jonsdottir1, Inga Thorsdottir, Patricia L Hibberd

  • 1Unit for Nutrition Research, Landspitali, The National University Hospital of Iceland, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland. olofhej@landspitali.is

Pediatrics
|November 14, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Introducing complementary foods alongside breast milk from 4 months improved infant iron status by 6 months without impacting growth. Further research is needed to determine the clinical significance of these iron status improvements.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Infant Health
  • Iron Metabolism

Background:

  • Optimal infant nutrition is crucial for development.
  • Iron deficiency is a global health concern in infants.
  • Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for 6 months, but iron status can be a concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of early complementary feeding on infant iron status and growth.
  • To compare iron status and growth in infants receiving complementary foods (CF) versus exclusive breastfeeding (EBF).

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving 119 healthy term infants.
  • Infants were assigned to either CF (from 4 months) or EBF (for 6 months).
  • Dietary intake, iron status (serum ferritin), and growth parameters were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Infants in the CF group showed significantly higher mean serum ferritin levels at 6 months.
  • No significant differences were observed in iron deficiency anemia, deficiency, or depletion between groups.
  • Growth rates between 4 and 6 months were comparable in both the CF and EBF groups.

Conclusions:

  • Early introduction of small amounts of complementary foods from 4 months positively impacts infant iron status at 6 months.
  • This feeding strategy did not adversely affect infant growth rates during the 4-6 month period.
  • The clinical significance of the observed improvement in iron status requires further investigation.
Abstract

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