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Pregnancy and Birth to 24 Months Systematic Review

Complementary Feeding Technical Expert Collaborative

  • Technical Expert Collaborative (TEC) members

    Nutrition Evidence Systematic Review Team

    Complementary Feeding TEC

    • Nancy F. Butte, PhD, RD
      Baylor College of Medicine, Emeritus
    • Kathryn (Kay) G. Dewey, PhD
      University of California, Davis
    • David M. Fleischer, MD
      University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine; Children’s Hospital Colorado
    • Mary Kay Fox, MEd
      Mathematica Policy Research
    • Frank R. Greer, MD
      University of Wisconsin, Madison, Emeritus
    • Nancy F. Krebs, MD
      University of Colorado School of Medicine, Emeritus
    • Kelley S. Scanlon*, PhD, RD
      USDA Food and Nutrition Service
      * Also Federal Expert Group Liaison 

    Analysts

    • Laural Kelly English, PhD, MS
    • Julie E. Obbagy, PhD, RD
    • Tricia L. Psota, PhD, RD

    Librarian

    • Yat Ping Wong, MLS, MPH

    Project Lead Representative

    • Eve E. Stoody, PhD

Overview

The Complementary Feeding TEC conducted systematic reviews that examined the timing of introduction of and types and amounts of complementary foods consumed in relation to a number of health outcomes. Complementary feeding is the process that starts when human milk and/or infant formula is complemented by other foods and beverages. Complementary foods and beverages were defined as liquids, semisolids, and solids other than human milk or infant formula, provided to an infant or young child to provide nutrients and energy.

For information on the Pregnancy and Birth to 24 Months Project, see the Pregnancy and Birth to 24 Months Project Page.

For information on the methodology that NESR used for this systematic review project, see the Pregnancy and Birth to 24 Months Project Methodology Page.

Every full systematic review contains the systematic review question, literature selection criteria (inclusion/exclusion criteria), literature search strategies, lists of included and excluded studies (with rationale), a description and synthesis of the evidence, data tables, graded conclusion statements, and research recommendations. In addition, both a technical abstract and plain language summary are provided for each of the systematic reviews.

Systematic Review Questions

Complementary Feeding and Micronutrient Status

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

What is the relationship between types and amounts of complementary foods and beverages consumed and micronutrient status?

Complementary Feeding and Food Allergy, Atopic Dermatitis/Eczema, Asthma, and Allergic Rhinitis

What is the relationship between timing of introduction of complementary foods and beverages and food allergy, atopic dermatitis/eczema, asthma, and allergic rhinitis?

What is the relationship between types and amounts of complementary foods and beverages consumed and food allergy, atopic dermatitis/eczema, asthma, and allergic rhinitis?

Complementary Feeding and Growth, Size, and Body Composition

What is the relationship between timing of introduction to complementary foods and beverages and growth, size, and body composition?

What is the relationship between types and amounts of complementary foods and beverages and growth, size, and body composition?

Complementary Feeding and Developmental Milestones

What is the relationship between timing of introduction of complementary foods and beverages and developmental milestones?

What is the relationship between types and amounts of complementary foods and beverages consumed and developmental milestones?

Complementary Feeding and Bone Health

What is the relationship between timing of introduction of complementary foods and beverages and bone health?

What is the relationship between types and amounts of complementary foods and beverages consumed and bone health?