Baby Led Weaning como método de alimentación complementaria y posible relación con déficit de micronutrientes críticos

Abstract

Complementary Feeding (CF) is a process in which the baby begins to feed on foods other than breast milk and/or pediatric milk formula, which are necessary because breast milk alone no longer manages to cover the requirements of the infant. The Baby Led Weaning (BLW) method consists of feeding directed by the infant himself, that is, the child is the one who guides his weaning. This method consists of making a variety of foods available to the infant, and they are the ones who choose which food to eat. The objective of the study is to raise the possible deficit of critical micronutrients in complementary feeding BLW. The sample size will be 136 infants who will start CF, this sample n was calculated based on the population size to estimate the size of a representative sample. These 136 infants will be divided into two groups (control group and experimental group), which must meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria according to the group they will be part of. The control group will start their complementary feeding with baby food while the experimental group will be fed with BLW. The intervention will last 6 months. During that time, each participant will follow a protocol and food plan. The parameter to be used for the analysis of results will be the laboratory tests that measure the plasma concentrations of calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and vitamin D. These tests will be taken in both groups at 5, 9 and 12 months of life. 5 For data analysis, a student's t-test and the Chi2 test will be used. The BLW-fed group is expected to have a greater deficit of critical micronutrients compared to the infants fed with porridge, since the BLW method may not be able to cover the requirements of these nutrients.