Micronutrient Status and Nutritional Intake in 0- to 2-Year-old Children Consuming a Cows' Milk Exclusion Diet

To study micronutrient status and nutritional intake from complementary feeding in children on a cows' milk exclusion (CME) diet.

Fifty-seven children with cows' milk allergy, younger than 2 years, were included in a cross-sectional study. Blood was analyzed for micronutrient status. Complementary feeding was defined as all solids and liquids except of breast milk, and assessed by 3-day food diary. The results were analyzed according to 3 feeding patterns: mainly breast-fed (mBF), partially breast-fed, and no breast milk group (nBM).

The children had a median age of 9 months and micronutrient status was within normal range for total homocysteine (p-tHcy), s-B12, s-folate, b-Hb, s-ferritin, s-zinc, and s-25(OH)D. There were no significant differences between feedings groups, except for B12-biomarkers. The mBF had higher p-tHcy (P < 0.000) and lower s-B12 (P = 0.002) compared nBM. Vitamin B12 deficiency (p-tHcy >6.5 μmol/L combined with s-B12 <250 pmol/L) was found in 12% of participants, most frequently among the mBF (36%) and none in nBM group (P = 0.009). Vitamin B12 intake from complementary feeding was negatively correlated with p-tHcy (r = -0.479, P = 0.001) and positively with s-B12 (r = 0.410, P = 0.003). Iron deficiency anemia was found in 5%. Iron intake correlated positively with b-Hb (r = 0.324, P = 0.02). Zinc deficiency was found in 7% and low 25(OH)D in 9%. Vitamin D intake was positively correlated with the use of supplements (r = 0.456, P = 0.001).

The risk of B12 deficiency was high in mBF infants on CME diet, and complementary feeding was associated with better B12 status. Iron, zinc, and vitamin D deficiencies were present in all feeding groups. Complementary feeding should be introduced at 4 to 6 months of age. Vitamin D supplement is recommended to ensure adequate intake.