Infant Cereals: Current Status, Challenges, and Future Opportunities for Whole Grains

Abstract

Infant cereals play an important role in the complementary feeding period. The aim of this study was to review existing research about the quantity, type, and degree of infant cereal processing, with a special focus on whole grain infant cereals. Accumulating evidence shows many benefits of whole grain consumption for human health. Likewise, consumers are frequently linking the term whole grains to healthiness and naturality, and sustainable food production becomes a more important aspect when choosing an infant cereal brand. Whole grain cereals should be consumed as early as possible, i.e., during infancy. However, there are several challenges that food manufacturers are facing that need to be addressed. Recommendations are needed for the intake of whole grain cereals for infants and young children, including product-labeling guidelines for whole grain foods targeting these age stages. Another challenge is minimizing the higher contaminant content in whole grains, as well as those formed during processing. Yet, the greatest challenge may be to drive consumers’ acceptance, including taste. The complementary feeding period is absolutely key in shaping the infant’s food preferences and habits; therefore, it is the appropriate stage in life at which to introduce whole grain cereals for the acceptance of whole grains across the entire lifespan.

Nutrient Composition of Foods Marketed to Children or Adolescents Sold in the Spanish Market: Are They Any Better?

“…A diet rich in fibre and bran improves constipation and it is recommended to children with symptoms [ 47 ]. Another important reason to increase the intake of wholegrain cereals is the higher content of vitamins and minerals [ 48 ]. The consequence of refining whole wheat, the main cereal in Spain, is the loss of large amounts of vitamin B, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium and zinc [ 45 ].…”

“…The consequence of refining whole wheat, the main cereal in Spain, is the loss of large amounts of vitamin B, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium and zinc [ 45 ]. In fact, children and adolescents have some degree of deficit in folic acid, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium [ 46 , 48 ]. Besides, the consumption of wholegrain foods may provide several benefits for human health.…”

Enteral Nutrition in Pediatric Short‐Bowel Syndrome

“…Introduction of infant cereals can help promote oral skills and supply dietary fiber to thicken stool output and has also been shown to increase production of Bacteroides in the infantile gut. 56 As children grow, and adaptation occurs, HF can be considered, and, if not tolerated, AA formulas can be used. 7 At our institution, feedings begin as soon as possible after surgery, when bowel sounds are present, enteral tube drainage is no longer bilious, the abdomen is soft, and there is no vomiting.…”

Mycotoxin Occurrence, Exposure and Health Implications in Infants and Young Children in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review

“…Cereals are ranked the major susceptible crops to mycotoxin contamination, with maize being at the forefront [54]. Because of their excellent energy and nutritional sources, these crops serve as the main ingredient used in the production of foods for IYC [55]. Although studies have shown that the processing of food can lead to a reduction or degradation of mycotoxins, it is important to highlight that mycotoxins can be carried over to the final processed products, thus necessitating the need for good quality raw material [56][57][58].…”