A Zare Javid - Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
A Zare Javid - Department of Nutrition, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

Introduction: Rate of growth during both fetal life and infancy has been associated with long-term consequences for bone health as well as cardiovascular risk and brain development in infants. Dietary and feeding practices have a primary influence on infant growth. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended exclusive breastfeeding up to or beyond 2 yr of age. Recommendations were not given on introduction of solid foods for formula-fed infants even though there is evidence that introduction before 4 mo of age may be associated with increased body fat, higher BMI, increased incidence of respiratory illness in later childhood, and increased risk for ECC. A report including several cohorts of greater than 2000 infants born in the United Kingdom in the mid- 1990s noted that weaning occurred on average 4 mo earlier than recommendations from the Department of Health and that this earlier weaning was associated with less positive health behaviors and significantly higher infant body weights at 6 mo of age. A significant relationship was identified between reported weaning practices and ECC in more than 1000 Hispanic children of women participating in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Supplemental Feeding Program in south Texas, which suggests that feeding practices may modulate the incidence of ECC.The fluoride content of breast milk is low (3,44). Fluoride inhibits demineralization, encourages remineralization, and increases the stability of the tooth enamel. Fluoride is most effective when ingested during infancy beginning at 6 mo of age through supplemented community water or through the use of infant formula constituted with fluoridated water that contains less than allowable optimal amounts of fluoride (0.3 ppm). Fluoride supplementation (in the form of drops) is not recommended during the first 6 mo of life. In the absence of access to fluoridated water, the infant’s or child’s physician may prescribe fluorideontaining vitamin supplements. Guidelines for fluoride supplementation have been established for children between 6 mo and 16 yr of age, based on the fluoride ion level in the drinking water and the use of other fluoride sources. References: 1) Fewtrell MS, Lucas A, Morgan JB. Factors associated with weaning in full term and preterm infants. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2003; 88(4):F296–301. 2) World Health Organization. Diet, Nutrition, and the Prevention of Chronic Diseases. Report of a WHO/FAO Consultation. WHO Technical Report Series 916, 2002.