Infant and child nutrition. Controversies and recommendations.

Infant and child nutrition is a topic of great controversy. Investigators disagree on matters such as breast-feeding versus formula-feeding, proper timing and type of solid supplementation, use of cow's milk, and dietary intake of salt, sugar, and fat. Although study results vary, it appears that breast-feeding has substantial benefits, supplementation with solid foods usually can begin between 4 and 8 months of age, and limitation of salt, sugar, and fat intake is appropriate.