ANSES warns of the excessive intake of sugars and the importance of dietary diversification.
Infants, children and adolescents have physiological specificities that justify an adapted diet, which is detailed in thehandles in a new report. The feeding of newborns and toddlers includes different stages of transition: oral feeding based on milk only, then the introduction of a variety of foods and finally the transition to foods from the family table.
Regarding infant milks, for women who do not wish to breastfeed, the health agency warns: “hypoallergenic” preparations are not suitable for children allergic to cow’s milk proteins; milks with soy protein should be avoided before 6 months; classic preparations should not be replaced by vegetable drinks (vegetable milks) before at least 12 months.
Promote the acceptance of new foods
ANSES specifies the diversification practices to promote the acceptance of new foods:
– A beginning of diversification between 4 completed months and not after 6 months;
– The offer of a maximum of varied foods between 5 and 18 months, a favorable window for accepting new foods;
– The repeated presentation of a food initially refused;
– The importance given to mealtimes.
During this phase, consider introducing dairy products, eggs and peanuts early enough to reduce the risk of food allergy. “Eight exposures may be necessary for a food initially refused to be accepted at the start of diversification”, also specify the experts.
Watch out for sugar intake
In addition, “many products targeting young children can contribute to providing them with excessive amounts of total sugars”, hence “the importance of establishing sugar content criteria so that these products are suitable for young children” , stresses ANSES.
Vigilance on sugar intake is to be maintained throughout growth. Two levers have priority: sugary drinks and pastries-biscuits-cakes, frequently offered at snack time. They should be replaced by dairy products without sugar or other calcium-rich foods as well as fresh fruit and nuts.
Concerning young people aged 4 to 17, ANSES experts have identified nutritional intakes that are too low in calcium and iron, which represents a risk for their growth and their health. To overcome calcium deficiency, it is necessary to favor dairy products or leafy vegetables, legumes and certain mineral waters. Concerning iron, it is necessary to encourage the consumption of meat, fish, eggs, wholemeal bread, legumes and nuts and dried fruits.
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