A step-by-step introduction to vegetables at the beginning of complementary feeding. The effects of early and repeated exposure

Infancy is considered a critical period for establishing food preferences which then track into later life. Breastfeeding (BF) experience is associated with eating a larger variety of foods such as vegetables later, possibly due to the variety of flavours delivered to the baby via breast milk. Some mothers add vegetables to milk just before introducing solid foods to facilitate acceptance of vegetables during complementary feeding (CF). Therefore the present study was conducted to test a step-by-step exposure to vegetables first in milk then in rice at the start of CF, on intake and liking of vegetables in the first year of life. Method: Just before the start of CF, enrolled mothers were randomised to either the intervention group (IG, n = 18 of which 6 were breastfed) or control group (CG, n = 18 of which 6 were breastfed). IG infants received 12 daily exposures to vegetable puree added to milk (days 1–12), then 12 × 2 daily exposures to vegetable puree added to baby rice at home (days 13–24). Plain milk and cereal were given to the control group. Then both groups received 11 daily exposures to vegetable puree. To compare intake and liking, amount consumed was weighed and liking rated during days 25–26 and 33–35 after the start of CF in the laboratory, supplemented by the same data recorded at home between laboratory visits. Vegetables were provided in daily rotation (carrots, green beans, spinach and broccoli) and a new vegetable (parsnip) given on day 35. Results: IG infants liked and ate the target vegetable purees more than CG infants. Pace of eating was higher for vegetables in the IG than CG infants. Carrots were consumed and liked more than green beans. However, at 6 months then 18 months follow up measurements, group differences were no longer observed, but the differences in intake between vegetables remained the same (carrot > green beans). Mothers reported that they appreciated the structure and guidance provided by this systematic approach. Early exposure to vegetables in a step-by-step process enhanced intake and liking of vegetables during CF. This step-by-step early exposure to vegetable tastes could be included in CF guidelines. This approach could be replicated and extended in order to investigate any long term benefits of this way of exposing infants to vegetables at the start of the CF period.