Feeding in the first year of life: emerging benefits of introducing complementary solids from 4 months

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dc.contributor.authorSymon, B.
dc.contributor.authorBammann, M.
dc.date.issued2012
dc.description.abstractBACKGROUND: Current World Health Organization guidelines recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life. Breastfeeding conveys clear benefits to both mother and child. These benefits are likely to be amplified by prolonged feeding. OBJECTIVE: This article outlines the emerging evidence that suggests possible benefits from introducing complementary solids from 4 months of age in developed countries. DISCUSSION: The human gut may have a critical early window during which it has an opportunity to develop immunological tolerance. Introducing complementary solids from 4 months of age may decrease the risk of food allergy and coeliac disease - immunological illnesses that have become a public health priority. The new draft National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines recommend introducing solids at around 6 months (22-26 weeks). However, given recent evidence, it may be appropriate to recommend the introduction of solids from 4 months of age in the Australian context.
dc.description.statementofresponsibilityBrian Symon and Michael Bammann
dc.identifier.citationAustralian Family Physician, 2012; 41(4):226-229
dc.identifier.issn0300-8495
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2440/76151
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherRoyal Australian College of General Practitioners
dc.rightsCopyright status unknown
dc.source.urihttp://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=157978572532030;res=IELHEA
dc.subjectBreastfeeding
dc.subjecthealth and hygiene
dc.subjectwomen
dc.subjectimmunological tolerance
dc.subjectbreastfeeding promotion
dc.subjectfood allergy in infants
dc.titleFeeding in the first year of life: emerging benefits of introducing complementary solids from 4 months
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.publication-statusPublished

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