Correct Complementary Feeding Practice as a Nutritional Tool for NCDs’ Prevention

Dear Colleagues,

The first 1000 days of life are presently seen as, possibly, the most important period of our whole existence, during which correct nutritional practices are able to influence the future of the human being, mainly through epigenetic modifications. While the importance and role(s) of exclusive breastfeeding are quite well established, and yet still under study, the influence of the period of time immediately following breastfeeding, and approximately covering the span 6 months–2 years of age, i.e., the weaning period, is much less clear. Many reasons for this uncertainty can be identified, and they have been quite well examined in the past by Adair (Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, 2012) . Nonetheless, in the last decade many other studies have been performed, and we are now able to tell more about the topic. Even though differences in local culture and family traditions play an important role in modeling weaning practices, making it still difficult to lead the weaning process back to its fundamental roots, some universal aspects (such as the timing of a correct weaning start, and nutritional compositions of meals) seem to be now clearer than they were in the past. 

This Special Issue will collate recent high-quality research in the field of breastfeeding, weaning, and NCDs' prevention. Both original research articles and reviews work are welcome. 

Prof. Dr. Andrea Vania
Dr. Margherita Caroli
Guest Editors

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