[A questionable guideline on introduction of solid food to breast-fed infants]

In 1993, the Norwegian National Nutrition Council recommended that solid food be introduced to breast-fed infants gradually between the age of four and six months, and not later than six months. A critical appraisal of the literature reveals that the alleged inadequacy of the volume of breast milk after 4-6 months is an artifact caused by the inevitable fall of milk yield induced by supplementation and unnatural time scheduling of breast-feeding. The council has overlooked evidence showing that voluntary exclusive breast feeding on demand provides enough energy and nutrients to most infants for at least nine months. There is no documented need for iron-rich solid food before the age of 7-9 months. Mothers who wish to breast-feed exclusively after the age of six months should therefore be encouraged to do so. Solid food should not be emphatically recommended until the infant is nine months old.