Dietary Strategies for Complementary Feeding between 6 and 24 Months of Age: The Evidence

Suboptimal complementary feeding practices remain highly prevent. This review aims to comprehensively synthesize new emerging evidence on a set of topics related to the selection and consumption of complementary foods. We synthesized evidence related to five key topics focused on nutritional interventions that target the complementary feeding period, based on four systematic reviews that include updated evidence to February 2022. While there have been many studies examining interventions during the complementary feeding period, there is an overall lack of relevant information through which to draw conclusions on the ideal feeding schedule by food type. Similarly, few studies have examined the effects of animal milk versus infant formula for non-breastfed infants (6-11 months), though those that did found a greater risk of anemia among infants who were provided cow's milk. This review highlights a number of interventions that are successful at improving micronutrient status and anthropometry during the complementary feeding period, including fortified blended foods, locally and commercially produced supplementary foods, and small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements. Complementary feeding education for caregivers can also be used to improve nutrition outcomes among infants in both food secure and insecure populations.

Automated summary

This review comprehensively synthesizes new emerging evidence on topics related to complementary feeding. The lack of relevant information makes it difficult to draw conclusions on the ideal feeding schedule and food type. Studies on the effects of animal milk versus infant formula for non-breastfed infants are limited but indicate a greater risk of anemia with cow's milk. Successful interventions for improving micronutrient status and anthropometry during complementary feeding include fortified blended foods, supplementary foods, and nutrient supplements. Complementary feeding education can improve nutrition outcomes for infants in both food secure and insecure populations.