Complementary Feeding in Newborns

Dear Colleagues,

Early nutrition and growth are key contributors to the modulation of both short and long-term infant health outcomes. The introduction of solid foods (thereafter referred to as weaning) is associated with major changes in both macronutrients and micronutrients intake, with the risk either of nutritional deficit or excess for infants undergoing a rapid growth during this period of life.

The International Scientific Societies of Pediatrics are in agreement on the optimal timing for the start of weaning.  The WHO also recommends continuing breastfeeding up to the 2nd year of life.  According to EFSA, breast milk sufficiently meet the nutritional needs of most infants up to 6 months of age. A clear association between the "timing" of introduction of solid foods and obesity in childhood has not been established yet, although infants who start weaning before 4 months are more likely to be overweight or obese.

Currently, research suggests to deepen the concept of personalized nutrition in all stages of life, including the earliest ones.  Therefore, we think that it’s important to focus on complementary feeding, regarding also the possibility of vegetarian weaning and baby-led weaning, representing the new frontier in the international panorama.

Prof. Maria Elisabetta Baldassarre
Guest Editor

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