The Role of Dietary Experience in the Development of Eating Behavior during the First Years of Life

Abstract

Infants are born equipped to ingest nutrients, but because of the transitions in the mode of feeding in the first years (from “tube” feeding in utero to eating table foods with the family), they have to learn how, what and how much to eat. Eating behavior established during early years may follow throughout childhood; therefore, it is fundamental to understand the most important drivers of the early development of eating behavior. Beyond the first flavor discoveries during the gestational and lactation periods (through the infant's exposure to flavors from foods of the mother's diet), the most important phases for learning food preferences and appetite control may be the beginning of complementary feeding (CF). Infants discover the sensory (texture, taste and flavor) and nutritional properties (energy density) of foods that will ultimately compose their adult diet. This brief review shows that several feeding practices influence the development of eating behavior: breastfeeding; repeating the presentation of a food, even if it seems initially disliked; introducing a variety of different foods rapidly in the CF process; offering foods in an appropriate way to make their sensory characteristics appealing to infants. More research is needed to understand in a combined way the effectiveness and long-term effect of these practices to promote healthy eating behaviors.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Ontogeny of Renal Drug Transporters: mRNA Analyses, Quantitative Proteomics, and Localization

“…They work in concert with enzymes in the kidneys, as well as enzymes and transporters in other organs, such as the intestine and liver, to mediate the removal of ingested potential harmful compounds, such as toxins derived from food, environmental toxins, drugs, and their metabolites . During infancy, dietary exposure to potential toxins is limited and begins to increase as infants are switched from an exclusively milk diet to foods that may contain more toxins . Thus, detoxification pathways are increasingly needed as the diet of infants expands and diversifies into childhood.…”

“…7 During infancy, dietary exposure to potential toxins is limited and begins to increase as infants are switched from an exclusively milk diet to foods that may contain more toxins. 21,22 Thus, detoxification pathways are increasingly needed as the diet of infants expands and diversifies into childhood.…”

Preferences for Sweet and Fatty Taste in Children and Their Mothers in Association with Weight Status

“…The phase of introducing a complementary feeding is the most important period of learning the taste preferences and the control of appetite in human life. Infants discover sensory impressions (texture, taste, smell) and nutritional properties (energy density) of food that is part of the diet of adults [48]. The hitherto scientific findings suggest that excessive exposure to the sensations of sweet taste can maintain and even strengthen the preference for food products rich in sugars [49].…”

Importance of Dietary Sources of Iron in Infants and Toddlers: Lessons from the FITS Study

“…It is unclear why this decline in intake of foods rich in iron occurred, but may be related to the increased popularity of homemade baby foods and the baby led weaning approach to infant feeding. There has also been increased focus on preventing excessive energy intake and increasing fruit and vegetable intake in the wake of the childhood obesity epidemic [ 30 , 31 , 32 ].…”