Babies thrive on the proteins in meat, including pork, reports a research team from the University of Colorado.
The first six to 12 months of life is a period of rapid growth and the research suggests that incorporating meat in babies’ diets could have an advantage when it comes to early length growth.
Infant formula or breastfeeding remain dietary mainstays during this period.
“Meat, such as pork, provides important micronutrients, is an excellent source of protein and can be an important complementary food for infants who are ready for solid foods,” said lead study author Minghua Tang, assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Colorado.
“Our research suggests introducing higher amounts of protein and introducing meat, such as pork, into the diet at five months could be potentially beneficial for linear growth (length gain).”
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing solid foods at four to six months of age and advises exposing babies to a wide variety of healthy foods, including a variety of different textures.
For babies who are mostly breastfeeding, meat may also have the added benefit of more easily absorbed iron and zinc, as breastfed infants are at a higher risk of becoming iron deficient than formula-fed infants.
“This research is particularly exciting because it shows nutrient-rich pork can play an important role in the whole family’s diet,” said Adria Huseth, registered dietitian and manager of nutrition communications and research at United States’ National Pork Board.
“It’s nutrient-rich, as well as a versatile, affordable and accessible protein.”
