Reaching consensus on a ‘vegetables first’ approach to complementary feeding

L. Chambers, M. Hetherington, Lucy Cooke, H. Coulthard, M. Fewtrell, P. Emmett, J. Lowdon, J. Blissett, J. Lanigan, C. Baseley, S. Stanner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

Abstract

On 5 May 2016, the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) invited leading infantfeeding experts to discuss and debate the strength of the evidence base on a‘vegetables first’ approach to complementary feeding. Consensus was reached onthe translation of the science into practical messages for parents/carers. Inparticular, it is known that familiarising infants with a variety of vegetables fromthe start of complementary feeding increases the likelihood that vegetables willbe accepted throughout childhood, though currently in the UK vegetables tendnot to be prioritised as first foods. Infant feeding guidance could includerecommendations to offer tastes of a variety of vegetables when complementaryfeeding begins, as a first step in the transition from milk to solid foods, so thatliking and acceptance are established during this early window of opportunity.This report describes the main themes emerging from the discussions and thespecific messaging recommendations which could be included within infantfeeding guidance.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)270-276
JournalNutrition Bulletin
Volume41
Issue number3
Early online date14 Aug 2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2016

Keywords

  • complementary feeding
  • food preferences
  • fruit
  • infants
  • vegetables
  • weaning

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