Nutrient density of the infants diet after the addition of supplementary foods

Abstract

The recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition is to delay the introduction of Supplementary foods to the infants diet until 4-6 months of age. However, it is found that supplementary foods are introduced prior to four months. In this study 48 mothers, of infants under four months of age and receiving formula and supplementary foods, were interviewed for food intake of the infant. Results from the study indicate that early introduction of supplementary foods has little influence on the total mean energy and nutrient intake. Formula was found to be the major source of energy and nutrients with only a small percentage from supplementary foods. No significant difference was found in energy and nutrient intake by ethnicity, gender of baby or age. Although the percent intake from supplementary foods increased with age. Demographics were not related to the age of introduction of supplementary foods.