Complementary Feeding in Italy: From Tradition to Innovation

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Nutrition Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Complementary feeding (CF) establishes lifelong dietary patterns.
• Limited research compares CF practices across geographical regions.
• Understanding current Italian CF practices is essential for public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare complementary feeding (CF) practices in healthy term infants across different regions of Italy (North, Center, South).
• To assess the role of primary care pediatricians (PCPs) in guiding CF and parental adherence to recommendations.

Main Methods:

• Two multiple-choice questionnaires were distributed to 665 Italian PCPs and 2023 families with infants under one year.
• Data collected on weaning initiation, food types, and pediatrician recommendations.

Main Results:

• CF typically begins between 5-6 months of age in Italy.
• Home-cooked or industrial semi-liquid foods are preferred by 77% of families.
• A minority (10%) are adopting traditional foods with adult food tastings.
• 91% of PCPs provide written dietary advice, with 83% of families following it.
• Significant regional variations in weaning habits were observed across Italy.

Conclusions:

• Italian complementary feeding practices show considerable regional diversity.
• Primary care pediatricians are pivotal in shaping infant nutrition and family dietary habits.
• Targeted regional interventions may be necessary to promote optimal CF practices throughout Italy.