TRIAL ON TIMING OF INTRODUCTION TO SOLIDS AND FOOD TYPE ON INFANT GROWTH

Objective. The optimal time and choice of solid foods to introduce to an infant's diet is unknown. The aim of this randomized trial was to d etermine whether early versus late introduction of solid foods and com mercially prepared versus parent's choice of solid foods affects growt h or body composition in the first year. Methods. White infants (n = 1 65) were recruited before 3 months of age and were randomized to recei ve: 1) commercially prepared solid foods (commercial) from 3 to 12 mon ths, 2) commercially prepared solid foods from 6 to 12 months, 3) pare nt's choice of solid foods (choice) from 3 to 12 months, or 4) parent' s choice of solid foods from 6 to 12 months. Anthropometrics and body composition, using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, were determined a t 3, 6, and 12 months. Three-day diet diaries were completed at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Results. There were no differences in growth or body composition between infants in early versus late introduction groups or commercial versus choice groups at any age. The total energy intake was not different among infants in the early compared with the late g roup at any age. Infants in the commercial group consumed less protein calories at 9 months (80 +/- 3 kcal/d vs 88 +/- 3 kcal/d) and 12 mont hs (101 +/- 5 kcal/d vs 148 +/- 5 kcal/d), less fat calories at 12 mon ths (263 +/- 10 kcal/d vs 343 +/-10 kcal/d), and less total calories a t 12 months (884 +/- 24 kcal/d vs 1022 +/- 25 kcal/d) compared with th e choice group. Conclusion. The early introduction of solid foods to a n infant's diet does not alter growth or body composition during the f irst year of life and results in a displacement of energy intake from formula. Infants consuming commercially prepared foods have a decrease d caloric intake from protein and fat; however, despite this differenc e, there is no effect on growth or body composition.