There is a general consensus nowadays that food we consume early on in life has an effect on health later in life and that dietary factors during infancy affects the risk to suffer from diseases such as obesity, blood fat disorders, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure later in life. High intake of protein during the first years of life is linked to overweight.
Semper supports and has developed food for a study called OTIS (optimised complementary feeding study) which is carried out at the Children’s Clinic’s research unit, Umeå University. It is a randomized study with 250 children divided into two groups.
When the parents chose to start with complementary foods, the children in one group were systematically introduced to fruit and vegetables and then served a diet that was extra rich on vegetables, root vegetables, berries and fruit. And in addition, it contained less protein. The other group was given healthy traditional baby food. The children were followed until the age of 18 months. A number of factors were examined, for example: growth, body composition, insulin resistance, metabolism, intestinal flora composition as well as the desire to try new healthy foods.
*The OTIS –study is conducted by a research team at Umeå University, Sweden. It is the first randomized complementary feeding study of this kind with healthy infants from 4-6 months of age until 18 months of age. To each group 125 infants were recruited.
The first results showed that the children who got a systematic introduction of fruits and vegetables, at 9 months of age ate significantly more vegetables and fruits than the children in the second group.
The infants in the group who ate more vegetables and fruits had a 30 % lower protein intake. The children in both groups showed satisfactory growth at the age of 9 months. This is very valuable knowledge that shows that a more sustainable diet also suits infants and young children.
Today there are no clear recommendations regarding complementary foods, how they should be introduced or what they should contain to give every child a good start and form healthy eating habits.
Changing eating habits can take time and at Semper we would like to help to contribute early in life. This should also be seen in the light of the fact that young children normally start to show a growing suspicion against new flavors and textures by the end of their first year.
Anne Lindfeldt
R&D and Quality Director
Head of Sustainability NE Custer
To constantly follow the latest research in nutrition for young children, Semper has established a scientific council. Within this group of pediatricians, professors and representatives of Semper, research findings, advice & recommendations are discussed.
We develop, manufacture and sell baby products grown naturally in line with nature’s rhythm and cycle. Only nurtured with fresh pure water, we give our products time to grow at their own pace and with no interference.
Based on the collaboration within the Scientific Council – and based on established scientific foundations, Semper continuously works with the development and improvement of our products. At present, the Scientific Council consists of Professor Olle Hernell, Professor Bo Lönnerdal and Chief Physician Pia Karlsand Åkesson.
