Paper Reveals Tips for Good Nutrition in Infant Feeding

06 Jan 2017 --- Updated evidence-based recommendations about introducing complementary foods like solids and liquids other than breast milk to infants’ diets appear in a position paper of the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN).

Appearing in the January Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition (JPGN), official journal of ESPGHAN and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, published by Wolters Kluwer.

The Position Paper was developed by the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition, led by Professor Mary Fewtrell of UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, London and the comprehensive statement, including in-depth discussion of the evidence supporting each recommendation, was posted today on the JPGN website.

It offers research-based guidance for the complementary feeding period and gives recommendations on the timing and content of introducing complementary foods, as well as methods of feeding and specific dietary practices, focusing on healthy term infants in Europe. 

It includes topics like the timing of introduction.

"Exclusive or full breast-feeding should be promoted for at least four months (17 weeks, beginning of the fifth month of life) and exclusive or predominant breastfeeding for around six months (26 weeks, beginning of the seventh month) is a desirable goal," the Committee writes. 

Complementary foods should not be started before four months but should not be delayed beyond six months. Breast-feeding should continue as complementary foods are introduced; whole cow's milk should not be used as the infant's main drink before twelve months of age.

Another topic is Allergenic Foods. Reflecting recent research that delayed introduction does not reduce the risk of food allergies, potentially allergenic foods can be started any time after four months. For infants at high risk of peanut allergy, which include those with severe eczema and/or egg allergy, peanuts should be introduced between age four and eleven months. 

The Committee emphasizes that peanut introduction in these high-risk infants should be done after evaluation by an appropriately trained specialist.

In the case of gluten; Gluten may be introduced between age four and twelve months, based on research showing that age at gluten introduction does not affect the infant's risk of developing celiac disease. The Committee advises against consumption of large amounts of gluten at any time during infancy.

And on vegetarian and vegan diets, the recommendations emphasize the importance of ensuring adequate iron intake from complementary foods for all infants, especially for those on vegetarian diets. 

“Vegan diets should only be used under appropriate medical or dietetic supervision,” the Position Paper adds. “Parents should understand the serious consequences of failing to follow advice regarding supplementation of the diet.”

Methods of Complementary Feeding. “Infants should be offered foods with a variety of flavors and textures including bitter-tasting green vegetables,” the Committee writes. No sugar or salt should be added to complementary foods, while fruit juices and sugar-sweetened beverages should be avoided. 

Parents are advised to respond to their infant's hunger and satiety [fullness] cues, and to avoid feeding as a means of comforting or rewarding their child.

The complementary feeding period is a time of rapid growth and development. During this period, infants are susceptible to nutrient deficiencies and excesses, while going through marked changes in the diet with exposures to new foods, tastes and feeding experiences. 

Dr. Fewtrell comments: “By providing guidance on complementary feeding for healthy term infants in Europe, based on the best available evidence, we aim to help health professionals and parents provide adequate nutrition and promote healthy eating habits in infants, whilst taking into account cultural practices, maternal preferences and available foods.”