A randomized, controlled trial of a Nordic, protein-reduced complementary diet: effects on dietary intake, biomarkers and growth until 18 months of age

• Background: Plant-based foods introduced during complementary feeding (CF) can contribute to long-term health andclimate friendly diet, but longitudinal multicomponent approaches are lacking.Objectives: To investigate the effects of a protein-reduced, Nordic complementary diet on dietary intake, biomarkers andgrowth and compared to the current Swedish dietary recommendations for infants until 18 mo of age.Design: Healthy, term infants (n=250) were recruited and randomly allocated to either a Nordic diet group (NG) or aconventional diet group (CG). From 4-6 mo of age, the NG followed a taste portions schedule with Nordic fruitand vegetables. From 6 mo up to 18 mo of age, the NG was supplied with Nordic homemade baby food recipes,protein-reduced baby food products and parental support. The CG followed the current Swedish dietaryrecommendations for infants. Dietary intake data, biomarkers and anthropometry were collected frombaseline up to 18 mo of age.Results: Of the 250 infants, 82% (n=206) completed the study. The NG consumed daily 42-45% more fruit andvegetables compared to the CG at 12 and 18 mo of age (p<0.001). Plasma folate was higher in the NGcompared to the CG at 12 mo (p<0.001) and 18 mo of age (p=0.003) and protein intake and blood ureanitrogen (BUN) were lower at both 12 and 18 mo of age (p<0.001). There were no group differences in energyintake (EI), growth, iron status or other biomarkers.Conclusions: The NG consumed significantly more plant-based Nordic foods compared to CG, a difference that lasted at leastuntil 18 mo of age. The lower protein intake in the NG had no effect on growth or iron status. The introductionof a protein-reduced, Nordic diet during CF is safe and feasible, and benefits a sustainable environment andhealth already during infancy and early childhood. 

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Pediatrik (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Pediatrics (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

infant feeding

early nutrition

infancy

repeated exposure

fruit

vegetables

sustainable eating

environment

plant-based food

healthy diet.

Medicine

medicin

Medicine

medicin

pediatrik

Pediatrics

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