[Retrospective study on weaning in Rome and its province. Results and critical considerations]

The authors report and comment on the results of an epidemiological retrospective study on weaning. The study was performed in Rome and its province through the administration of a structured interview to the parents of 851 children, aged between 6 months and 3 years. Data show that most children are correctly weaned, in terms of both timing and quality of foods. In some cases, however, incorrect dietary habits were found, such as: too early (usually together with too early administration of gluten-containing foods) or too late weaning, and use of cow's milk instead of follow-up formulae during the second semester of life. Data presented here show that the early weaning significantly correlates with a maternal low degree of education and short period of breast-feeding. On the basis of their data and according to the international literature, the authors present some new weaning suggestions: these could help decrease the present gap between recommended dietary allowances and real consumption in this age group.