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Pregnancy and Birth to 24 Months Systematic Review

Systematic Review Question

What is the relationship between timing of introduction of complementary foods and beverages and micronutrient status?

Conclusion Statement

Moderate evidence suggests that introducing complementary foods and beverages at 4 months of age compared to 6 months of age offers no long term advantages or disadvantages in terms of iron status among healthy, full-term infants who are breastfed, fed iron fortified formula, or both. 

There is not enough evidence to determine the relationship between timing of introduction of complementary foods and beverages and zinc, vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate, or fatty acid status. 

Iron Status

Grade: Moderate

Zinc, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Folate, and Fatty Acid Status

Grade: Grade Not Assignable