Early introduction of complementary baby foods may satiate the hunger of the infant, resulting in less frequent breast feeding and consequently, less nutrition.
Highlights
- Nearly 10% infants are considered overweight for their length.
- Infant formulas are introduced to babies by four months of age either as a sole source of nutrition or in combination with breast milk.
- Breastfed babies tend to be better protected against rapid weight gain and obesity, among other things.
The reality is that 60 percent of American infants are exposed to infant formula by four months of age either as a sole source of nutrition or in combination with breast milk.
Already, she and her collaborator, Julie Mennella, have confirmed the finding of a previous study that found that healthy babies randomized to receive cow's milk formula had accelerated weight gain compared to babies fed a hydrolyzed protein formula (a formula typically for infants with cow's milk allergy), who gained weight similarly to their breastfed counterparts.
While the benefits of breastfeeding are well known -- breastfed babies tend to be better protected against rapid weight gain and obesity, among other things.
Danger of Early Complementary feeding
- Lack of Nutrients: Many of the most popular brands contain less than a fifth of a baby’s recommended daily supply of calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron and other crucial minerals (University of Greenwich 2012). One meat jar, one vegetable jar and 600ml of formula milk still would not be enough calcium, magnesium, copper and selenium and meets only 20% of the daily nutrient intake.
- Risk Of Anemia: Early introduction of complementary baby foods may satiate the hunger of the infant, resulting in less frequent breast feeding and consequently, less nutrition. Iron absorption from mother’s milk decreases when the milk comes in contact with other foods in the infant’s small intestine. Therefore, early use of complementary foods may cause iron deficiency and anemia. Advertisement
- Use of Preservatives: Baby foods are loaded with preservatives to prevent the food from spoilage. While preservatives do no good for an adult, it is wise to give a second thought while opting it for babies.
"Parents should talk to their doctor or registered dietitian about how formulas differ in composition to find the one that is best for their baby."
Reference
- Jillian Trabulsi et al., Healthy weight gain in infants, 4th International Conference on Nutrition and Growth (2017).
Source-Medindia