Dietary intake of weaned infants in a Swedish community

Abstract

The energy and nutrient intake of 6 and 12-month-old weaned Swedish infants was studied by means of 24-h recalls. Milk-cereal follow-up formulas played a dominating role in the diet, contributing 57 per cent of the total energy intake at 6 months and 26 per cent at 12 months. The ratio between the macronutrients was characterized by a high-protein and low-fat intake; 16-17 per cent of energy derived from protein and 29-33 per cent from fat at 6 and 12 months respectively. The protein intake was also high in absolute figures: 3.3 g per kg body-weight at 6 months and 4.2 g per kg at 12 months. The mean daily energy intake for these normally growing infants was 75 per cent of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) at 6 months, and the need for a revision of the energy allowances in infancy is discussed. The estimated daily intake of iron was equal to the RDA at 6 months and 80 per cent of the allowance at 12 months. The daily intake of vitamin D exceeded the RDA to such a degree, that the present level of vitamin D supplementation through oral drops is questioned.