Infant cereal consumption and nutrient intake in babies are directly related, a recent study reveals.

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data were examined in this study to analyze food intake in infants. The data assessed regarded the food intake of 0 to 23-month-old babies, collected from a national survey which contained data from 2001 to 2014. The research wing of the US rice industry, the Rice Foundation, supported this investigation on infant feeding patterns. They found that the ingestion of crucial nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and vitamin E.1, were greater for infants consuming baby cereals like rice cereal.

The study also found that babies who consume baby cereal are less likely to have vitamin E, iron, and calcium deficiency. The study emphasizes the significant role of rice cereal in a baby's diet to achieve proper nutritional levels. It is vital for their growth during developmental stages.

The ages of infants were classified into four ranges (1) 0-3 months (2) 4-6 months (3) 7- 11 months (4) 12 – 23 months. The cereal consumption outcome of each group was evaluated. Cereal consumers and non-cereal consumers were evaluated by researchers comparatively for different eating patterns, nutrient status, and intakes of added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium.

The introduction of baby cereal as early as four months, including rice cereal, was shown to improve nutrient intake levels. And infants from four to six months of age were able to absorb critical nutrients, like vitamin B6, calcium, iron, and magnesium, and also took in more calories, carbohydrates, and whole grains.

Similar results were observed in older infants in the next ranges. Both the seven to eleven months range and twelve to twenty-three months range were found to consume higher levels of vital nutrients and carbohydrates. These results indicate the importance of feeding cereal to infants in their first two productive years.

Study author Theresa Nicklas, DrPH., said, “Based on the results, diet recommendations for infants from birth to 23 months should include baby cereal – like rice cereal – due to its role in maintaining nutrient status which supports growth and development.”

The overall conclusion is that there is a definite health benefit when four to eleven months old babies are fed cereal. Researchers claim a positive impact on nutritional status when cereals such as rice cereal are included in a baby’s diets as one of the first foods.

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Nicklas added, “The results of this study build a strong case for the benefits of feeding your infant baby cereal. As the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee looks to evaluate food patterns and nutrient status of infants aged zero to 23 months, it is important to consider the role of baby cereal in the diets of infants and toddlers.”