Search Results (294)

Background/Objectives: Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) is an increasingly adopted complementary feeding approach in which infants self-feed family foods rather than being spoon-fed purées. Caregivers’ attitudes play a central role in its adoption and implementation, yet no validated instrument has been specifically designed to assess caregivers’ attitudes toward BLW. This study aimed to develop and psychometrically validate the BLW Caregiver Attitudes Scale (BLW-CAS). Methods: A methodological psychometric study was conducted in two phases. Scale development involved a literature review, expert panel evaluation, and cognitive pretesting with caregivers. Psychometric validation was conducted among 256 caregivers, while temporal stability was assessed in an independent test–retest sample of 92 caregivers. Content validity, internal consistency, temporal stability, construct validity, and convergent validity were examined using established psychometric methods. Results: The final 16-item BLW-CAS comprised three dimensions: Predisposition, Self-efficacy, and Practical Skills. The revised scale achieved an S-CVI/Ave of 0.93. The three-factor exploratory solution accounted for 67.46% of the total item variance. The three-factor CFA model showed good overall fit (CFI = 0.995; TLI = 0.994; RMSEA = 0.052; SRMR = 0.066). Internal consistency was acceptable to excellent across subscales (α = 0.757–0.913; ω = 0.807–0.953), and test–retest reliability was good (ICC = 0.832). Positive small-to-moderate correlations with general self-efficacy (r = 0.298) and decision satisfaction (r = 0.350) supported convergent validity. Conclusions: The Spanish BLW-CAS is a concise, multidimensional instrument with promising psychometric properties for assessing caregivers’ attitudes toward BLW, supporting future research and the evaluation of interventions related to complementary feeding practices. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cow’s milk allergy (CMA) is one of the most frequent food allergies in early childhood, yet its diagnosis remains a challenge. The Parent-Specific Cow’s Milk-Related Symptom Score (Pre-CoMiSS™) was developed in 2024 to assist parents in tracking possible cow’s milk-related symptoms in their infants. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore users’ experience with the Pre-CoMiSS™ tool, learn from their experience and identify areas for improvement. Methods: Participants were parents of infants aged up to 12 months who felt that their babies were experiencing possible feeding-related symptoms. Participants were selected from a local panel of potential parents in the UK and Sweden. Forty-five-minute interviews, led by experienced qualitative research moderators, were conducted using dedicated discussion guides and a frame-by-frame PDF version of the Pre-CoMiSS™ tool. Thematic analysis of the data was undertaken. Results: A total of 20 parents participated, 10 from the UK and 10 from Sweden. The Pre-CoMiSS™ tool was well received by parents from both countries. Parents found the tool’s results clear, useful, and easy to understand. However, some parents, especially from Sweden, expressed the need for additional guidance on next steps. Conclusions: Parents found the Pre-CoMiSS™ tool acceptable and easy to use, although some requested clearer guidance on next steps. These findings support further refinement and formal validation before clinical implementation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Appetite-regulating hormones are bioactive components of human milk. We tested the associations of leptin and adiponectin with infant growth and eating behaviors to age 6 months. Methods: In a cohort of 70 healthy, full-term infants and their mothers, human milk adiponectin and leptin were assayed at age 2 months (m). At infant ages 2, 4, and 6 m, infant anthropometry was obtained, mothers reported feeding frequency, duration, and breastfeeding intensity and completed the Baby Eating Behavior Questionnaire (Enjoyment of Food, Food Responsiveness, and General Appetite), and infant sucking vigor using an artificial nipple (burst duration and sucking frequency) was measured. Mothers reported demographics, gestational diabetes and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), gestational age, and infant birthweight. Multivariate models evaluated predictors of leptin and adiponectin, and associations of leptin and adiponectin with infant growth and eating behaviors. Results: Human milk leptin was predicted by maternal BMI (β = 0.02) and breastfeeding intensity (β = −0.32). Regarding infant growth, infant weight-for-age and weight-for-length z-scores at 6 m were predicted by leptin (β = 0.91 and β = 1.22, respectively) and adiponectin (β = 0.01 and β = 0.01, respectively). Regarding infant eating behaviors, feeding duration at 2 m and feeding frequency at 4 m were predicted by adiponectin (β = 0.03 and β = −0.02, respectively). Conclusions: Human milk leptin and adiponectin may contribute to weight gain in early infancy, but the effect does not appear to be mediated substantially by infant eating behaviors. Further investigation into the metabolic programming of early infant weight gain is warranted. Full article

This study evaluated contamination by polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDDs/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in 390 feeds and 1756 food samples collected in Latium and Tuscany (Italy, 2016–2025) using HRGC-HRMS. PCDDs/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs (dl-PCBs) are expressed as WHO 2005 toxic equivalents (WHO₀₅-TEQ). Non-dioxin-like PCBs (ndl-PCBs) lack dioxin-like toxicity mechanisms due to their non-coplanar structure and are not assigned a toxic equivalence factor. Feed results were normalised to 12% moisture content. Median levels of WHO₀₅-PCDDs/Fs+dl-PCBs TEQ at the upper limit in feed were 10–100 times lower than those reported in European monitoring data (EFSA, 2002–2010) for comparable categories, including additives, premixtures, raw materials and compound feed, with plant and animal feed materials below 0.03 ng/kg and aquaculture feed at 0.24 ng/kg. Food contamination was generally low, with the median WHO₀₅-PCDDs/Fs+dl-PCBs TEQ 2–4 times lower than Italian national data (2013–2016), considering comparable categories such as meat, fish, milk, eggs, oils, baby foods, marine oils, animal fats and liver. Higher levels were observed in game meat, sheep products and fermented milk than in pork and poultry. The contamination remained stable over time. These results indicate an improvement in food safety thanks to national and EU regulations, although continued surveillance of high-risk and undersampled categories remains essential. Full article

Ensuring the safety of gluten-free foods is essential for individuals with coeliac disease and other gluten-related disorders, for whom even minimal gluten exposure can cause adverse effects; this study aimed to evaluate the long-term compliance of gluten-free labeled foods marketed in Italy. A total of 4139 pre-packaged gluten-free products were collected between 2015 and 2024 and analyzed using validated analytical methods. Products were categorized into macro-categories: cereal-based foods, processed non-cereal-based foods, confectionery, flours, baby foods, and dietary supplements. A descriptive analysis and risk modeling were generated to visualize relative risks. Overall non-compliance remained consistently very low (<1%) throughout the 10-year period, with an average rate of 0.27% and minor peaks in 2016 and 2018. The highest frequencies of gluten contamination were observed in cereal-based products and flours-particularly corn flour-while occasional non-compliance occurred in some processed non-cereal-based foods and confectionery; no non-compliance was detected in baby foods or dietary supplements. These findings are reassuring and consistent with, or better than, available EU data, confirming the effectiveness of current control systems and highlighting the importance of continuous monitoring, validated analytical methods and effective allergen management strategies. Strengthened collaboration among regulators and manufacturers remains essential to prevent cross-contamination and protect consumer health. Full article

Ready-to-eat (RTE) fresh salads are widely consumed for their convenience and nutritional value, but they could represent a relevant food safety concern, as they do not undergo a lethal heat treatment before consumption, and furthermore, they may support the growth of Listeria monocytogenes during refrigerated storage. In this study, the growth potential of L. monocytogenes was evaluated by standardised challenge tests in five commercially available RTE salads: crispy lettuce, baby lettuce, a baby lettuce–spicy mustard mix, and two mâche products from different producers. Three different batches for each product were inoculated with a three-strain cocktail of L. monocytogenes at a target level of approximately 2–3 log CFU/g and stored under conditions simulating reasonably foreseeable refrigerated storage (7 °C for approximately two-thirds of their shelf life, followed by 10 °C for the remaining one-third), in accordance with ISO 20976-1 and EURL L. monocytogenes guidelines. The growth potential (Δ) was calculated as the difference between the highest mean L. monocytogenes concentration observed during storage and the mean of the initial concentration at time zero, both in three replicate samples; Δmax was defined as the highest Δ value among the tested batches. Crispy lettuce, baby lettuce, and the mixed salad supported the growth of L. monocytogenes, with Δmax values of 2.33, 2.60, and 3.65 log CFU/g, respectively. In contrast, both mâche products showed Δmax values ≤ 0.5 log CFU/g, indicating an inability to support pathogen growth under the tested conditions. These results demonstrate that the growth potential of L. monocytogenes in RTE salads is strongly product-specific and likely influenced by intrinsic characteristics and background microbiota, as well as by storage temperature. The findings underline the importance of strict temperature control and product-specific risk assessment to ensure compliance with microbiological criteria throughout shelf life and to mitigate the risk of listeriosis associated with RTE salads. Full article

Complementary feeding influences infant growth and health. Māori and Pacific infants in Aotearoa New Zealand experience disproportionate nutrition-related disease, yet complementary feeding data are limited. Caregivers of 625 infants (7–10 months) completed a questionnaire on timing of introduction, baby-led weaning (BLW), and baby food pouch use. Ethnicity was total response; infants not Māori or Pacific were classified as ‘other’. Complementary foods were introduced at around six months for 56.5% of Māori, 62.2% of Pacific, and 80.9% of others; before five months for 40.5%, 34.2%, and 17.3%. BLW prevalence was 29.2% (Māori), 17.1% (Pacific), and 27.3% (other). Although pouches were uncommon when complementary feeding began, by 7–10 months about two-thirds of Māori and Pacific infants were fed pouches sometimes or frequently. Frequent pouch use with mostly or always nozzle feeding occurred in 12.2% of Māori infants, 12.2% of Pacific infants, and 2.7% of other infants. Vegetables and purée were the most common first food and texture. By six months, over half consumed red meat and about half consumed iron-fortified baby rice. These feeding practices have implications for nutrition-related health inequities among Māori and Pacific infants, highlighting the need for culturally centered public health approaches to support whānau with feeding. Full article

Fish is recommended in early childhood mainly because of its omega-3 fatty acid content. However, it can be a source of metal(loid)s, which pose a health risk. The main objective of this study was to conduct a literature review on metal(loid) levels in pureed baby foods (PBFs). To support and contextualize the information obtained on fish-based PBFs, an evaluation of the labelling information on fish-based PBFs marketed in Spain was carried out. Fish-based PBFs accounted for only 12.04% to 13.13% of the total supply of PBFs, with a fish content around 8%, revealing a nutritional deficiency. According to the studies reviewed (n = 11), fish-based PBFs had the highest levels of As and Hg, which should be minimized. Full article

Background: Current recommendations for infant weaning suggest the early introduction of solid and diverse foods. Although homemade meals are advisable, there is a demand for commercially available complementary foods (CACFs), and the information present on their labeling influences caregivers’ choices. The aim of this study was to evaluate recommended-age-of-introduction labeling of CACFs in the Portuguese market, in light of current guidelines for complementary feeding. Methods: Between November and December 2025, labels of all CACFs found in infant feeding sections of 13 Portuguese grocery retailers were analyzed. Milk formulas, powders, products for children over 15 months, and those for children with food allergies or intolerances were excluded. Results: Of the 539 products analyzed, 458 showed a recommended age for introduction, ranging from 4 to 12 months, with significant variability being observed between food categories. Significant variability was also observed in the recommended age for introduction depending on whether major allergens were present. Conclusions: The results of our study identified an age-segmented approach to complementary feeding recommendations in CACF labeling, not reflecting current infant feeding guidelines that support complementary feeding. Our results reinforce the need for more support from scientific evidence and health guidelines in food availability and marketing. Full article

Wild edible plants represent an underexploited resource for enhancing agrobiodiversity and promoting more sustainable food systems. Urospermum dalechampii (Asteraceae) is a traditional Mediterranean wild edible species widely used in local cuisines, yet it remains marginal in modern horticulture. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge on the nutritional composition, phytochemical profile, biological activities, and agronomic potential of U. dalechampii. Available evidence indicates that its edible tissues are characterized by a favorable nutritional profile, including appreciable levels of dietary fiber, minerals, and beneficial fatty acids. Moreover, the species is a rich source of bioactive compounds—particularly phenolic acids, flavonoids, and terpenoids—which have been associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. Recent studies have demonstrated the feasibility of domesticating U. dalechampii through both soil-based and soilless cultivation systems, including baby-leaf and microgreen production, thereby enabling controlled yields and reducing harvesting pressure on wild populations. Nevertheless, research on this species remains fragmented, and several knowledge gaps persist, notably the absence of standardized agronomic protocols, limited information on post-harvest management and safety, and potential market constraints related to bitterness and variability in product quality. Overall, U. dalechampii emerges as a promising candidate for sustainable horticulture and the development of functional foods. Full article

Background/Objectives: Following the cessation of breastfeeding, cereal-based complementary foods are commonly introduced into the diet of infants. Among these products, dairy-free infant porridges constitute an important component of early complementary feeding. This study aimed to evaluate dietary exposure to selected essential (Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu) and potentially toxic (Pb, Cd, and Hg) trace elements resulting from the consumption of dairy-free infant porridges by children aged six months and older. Products with different cereal compositions available on the Polish market were analyzed. Methods: Trace element concentrations were determined after microwave-assisted digestion using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and atomic absorption spectrometry for mercury (Hg-AAS). Results: A single recommended serving of dairy-free infant porridge contributed to the intake of essential trace elements, providing approximately 50% of the RDA for copper, 21% for zinc, 15% of the AI for manganese, and 5.7% of the RDA for iron. The concentrations of potentially harmful elements were low (Pb: 0.002–0.004 mg/kg; Cd: <0.001–0.003 mg/kg; Hg: <0.001–0.001 mg/kg). The estimated daily intake of these elements did not exceed 0.01 µg/kg body weight per day. Conclusions: Dairy-free infant porridges may contribute to the intake of essential trace elements in infants, while exposure to lead, cadmium, and mercury appears to remain low when products are consumed according to recommended serving sizes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Breastfeeding has accompanied women since the beginning of time and, according to anthropological research, naturally ends between the age of 2 and 6. WHO (World Health Organization) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about the first 6 months, with continued breastfeeding along with introducing appropriate complementary foods for up to 2 years of age or longer. Despite the increasing promotion of breastfeeding, women do not comply with the WHO guidelines and give up exclusive breastfeeding quickly, and long-term breastfeeding mothers still struggle with a lack of understanding in society. Methods: This work aims to expand the knowledge on the composition and antioxidant status of the milk of mothers breastfeeding past 12 months. Results: The basic composition of human milk changes depending on the stage of lactation. In women breastfeeding for more than a year, an increase in fat (p < 0.001) and magnesium (p < 0.001) was observed. A decreased concentration of leptin (p = 0.001), iron (p < 0.001), and iron-reducing capacity (p < 0.001) was also observed compared to milk from the initial stage of lactation. Conclusions: The milk of women breastfeeding for more than 12 months is a valuable food for the baby, maintaining its protection against free radicals and providing adequate nutrients. Full article

Background: Presence of milk, fruits, eggs, fish, nuts and wheat antigens in the amniotic fluid is described in the literature. Studies show a contradictory relationship between maternal exposure to allergens and early sensitization of the fetus to allergens. Hemochorionic type of the human placenta allows for easier transfer of nutrients and antibodies from the mother’s blood to the fetal circulation through the direct contact of maternal blood with the fetal chorion. During the third trimester of pregnancy, immunoglobulin G (IgG) is actively transferred through the placenta into the fetal via neonatal FcRN receptor (FcRN). In addition, monomeric immunoglobulin E (IgE) cannot cross the placenta Aim: The objective of our study is to track intrauterine sensitization to essential food proteins at birth in umbilical cord blood in mothers with established peripheral blood eosinophilia and in their infants using allergen-specific IgE and IgG. Methods: An observational study was carried out in a cohort of 22 mothers with eosinophilia and their babies. Differences in expression between groups were assessed. Blood samples were collected to determine serum IgE and IgG specific to a set of inhalant and food allergens. Results: We did not find a significant correlation between specific IgE to cow’s milk (p = 0.857), egg white (p = 0.926) and egg yolk (p = 0.096) in umbilical cord blood and maternal blood samples taken immediately before birth. Spearman’s correlation of the specific IgE and IgG in umbilical cord blood showed no dependence between the two variables. In contrast, statistical analysis showed that maternal eosinophilia in peripheral blood could be a risk factor for the development of allergy in the offspring (χ², p = 0.0347). However, given the small number of patients, this claim needs to be confirmed with further studies. Conclusions: Due to the functional immaturity of the developing immune system of the fetus, the generation and maintenance of an independent immune response to allergens are incomplete. Maternal IgG (specific) passes to the baby and high maternal IG to a specific allergen reduces babies IgE production. In addition, low maternal specific IgG may promote IgE production in the baby under the influence of microenvironmental factors (cytokine background). The main limitation of our study is the small number of patients. Further research is needed in this direction to clarify the mechanisms and risk factors for early sensitization in newborns. Full article

Inadequate intake of Fe and Zn is prevalent in a large part of the world’s population, and agronomic biofortification has been a strategy to improve the nutritional quality of food and, consequently, the nutrient intake by people. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Fe and Zn concentrations in the nutrient solution on the morphophysiological traits, nutritional quality, and biofortification of two cultivars of baby leaf lettuce in a deep water technique hydroponic system. Two experiments were conducted, one with ‘Vanda’ lettuce (green) and the other with ‘Luminosa’ lettuce (reddish). Six treatments were evaluated, in a 3 × 2 factorial scheme, corresponding to the concentrations of Fe (2.0, 4.0, and 8.0 mg L⁻¹) and Zn (0.06 and 0.24 mg L⁻¹), with four replicates. ‘Vanda’ proved to be more productive, while ‘Luminosa’ has a higher nutraceutical value. The growth traits, yield, and leaf contents of carotenoids and anthocyanins of both cultivars were not influenced by the increase in Fe and Zn concentrations in the nutrient solution. There was a 25% and a 33% increase in the content of phenolic compounds in ‘Vanda’ and ‘Luminosa’, respectively, when the Fe concentration increased from 2 to 8 mg L⁻¹. The Fe content in ‘Vanda’ was influenced only by the Fe concentration in the nutrient solution and increased by 13% between 2 and 8 mg L⁻¹ of Fe. For ‘Luminosa’, there was an interaction, but the highest Fe contents in the shoot were observed with 8 mg L⁻¹ of Fe, which were 24 and 38% higher than those obtained with 2 mg L⁻¹ of Fe at Zn concentrations of 0.06 and 0.24 mg L⁻¹, respectively. The study showed the importance of evaluating the biofortification for cultivars. While ‘Vanda’ baby leaf was biofortified only with Fe, ‘Luminosa’ was biofortified with both micronutrients. Full article

The aim of this study is to investigate the occurrence of melamine and cyanuric acid in milk, baby food, and protein supplements collected in Croatia. A total of 56 samples were collected during 2022 and 2023 from retail stores in Zagreb, Croatia. Sample preparation involved acetonitrile extraction, followed by analysis using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Cyanuric acid concentrations above the limit of quantification (LOQ) were found in five milk samples (33.3% detection frequency), with a range from 0.26 to 0.39 mg/kg and a mean concentration of 0.31 mg/kg. In protein supplements, melamine was detected above the LOQ in six samples (23% detection frequency), with a mean concentration of 0.30 mg/kg and concentrations ranging from 0.20 to 0.57 mg/kg. No concentrations above the LOQ were found in baby food samples. All detected values were below the EU maximum limits (2.5 mg/kg for general food and 1.0 mg/kg for baby food). The accuracy and reliability of the method were verified using certified reference material. This is the first study to confirm the presence of melamine and cyanuric acid in protein supplements and milk on the Croatian market. The detected levels do not indicate a potential health risk to consumers. Full article