Meat or pap?

Although meat is considered an excellent source of iron, it has not always been perceived as a suitable first complementary food. Our perception of first foods has been strongly influenced by the marketing of fortified cereal-based foods, even though the iron absorbed from these foods is extremely low.

A recent study has confirmed that the consumption of highly refined and fortified cereal foods may not be the best way to maintain adequate iron status for infants. Researchers from the University of Colorado wanted to determine the nutritional efficacy and effect on infants of the consumption of either meat or iron-fortified infant cereal as their first complementary food. They  randomized 84 exclusively breastfed infants at four months of age to receive either pureed beef or iron-fortified infant cereal as the first complementary food, starting after five months and continuing until seven months. In addition to anthropometrical and developmental data, the infants were monitored for zinc and iron status at nine months.

What they found:

1. Zinc intakes were greater for the meat group.

2. Head circumference was larger for the meat group.

3. Tolerance and acceptance was similar for the two groups.

4. Biochemical indicators were similar for both groups.

5. Motor and mental measurements did not differ between the two groups, but the meat group had a higher behaviour index.

The authors suggest that more research is needed to develop optimal complementary feeding guidelines and conclude that the introduction of meat as a first complementary food for exclusively breastfed infants is beneficial and associated with improved zinc intakes.

 Krebs N F et al. Meat as a First Complementary Food for Breastfed Infants: Feasibility and Impact on Zinc Intake and Status. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 42:207-214, 2006