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

BACKGROUND

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.