Complementary Feeding: Pitfalls for Health Outcomes

Enza D’Auria, Barbara Borsani, Erica Pendezza, Alessandra Bosetti, Laura Paradiso, Gian Vincenzo Zuccotti and Elvira Verduci
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Enza D’Auria: Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children’s Hospital, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
Barbara Borsani: Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children’s Hospital, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
Erica Pendezza: Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children’s Hospital, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
Alessandra Bosetti: Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children’s Hospital, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
Laura Paradiso: Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children’s Hospital, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
Gian Vincenzo Zuccotti: Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children’s Hospital, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
Elvira Verduci: Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children’s Hospital, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 21, 1-19

Abstract: The term complementary feeding is defined as the period in which a progressive reduction of breastfeeding or infant-formula feeding takes place, while the infant is gradually introduced to solid foods. It is a crucial time in the infant’s life, not only because of the rapid changes in nutritional requirements and the consequent impact on infant growth and development, but also for a generation of lifelong flavor preferences and dietary habits that will influence mid and long-term health. There is an increasing body of evidence addressing the pivotal role of nutrition, especially during the early stages of life, and its link to the onset of chronic non-communicable diseases, such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and allergic diseases. It is clear that the way in which a child is introduced to complementary foods may have effects on the individual’s entire life. The aim of this review is to discuss the effects of complementary feeding timing, composition, and mode on mid and long-term health outcomes, in the light of the current evidence. Furthermore, we suggest practical tips for a healthy approach to complementary feeding, aiming at a healthy future, and highlight gaps to be filled.

Keywords: complementary feeding; infant nutrition; prevention; health outcomes; healthy growth; dietary habits; obesity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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