Complementary feeding: the fish

He fish It is an excellent source of proteins of high biological value and, like meat, is a good source of iron and zinc.

The fatty acids of blue fish have a large proportion of long chain omega 3 polyunsaturates, important for neuronal development and that of sea is a good source of iodine.

When can they start eating fish?

The ESPGHAN (European Pediatric Society of Gastroenterology and Nutrition), in 1982, recommended not offering potentially allergenic foods (cow's milk, eggs, fish, nuts, soy ...) until 6 months or until 12 in infants with a family history of allergy.

Many authors, given that it is difficult to know family history and there are cases of allergy without a family history, They recommend offering these foods, including fish, at 12 months for all children.

The Lactation Committee of the AEP (Spanish Association of Pediatrics) recommends its introduction after the ninth month since the infant tolerates the fish poorly because it delays gastric emptying, can produce allergic reactions and contains toxic substances (mercury and boric acid).

The AAP (American Pediatric Association), for its part, in 2000, recommended delaying the introduction of fish to three years.

The AESAN (Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition) indicates that the baby with an allergy or at high risk of suffering from it should wait for three years, starting with swordfish, bonito, tuna, sole and other flat fish and finally cod and hake, which are the ones that cause more allergies (although on the other hand it is recommended not to give children large tunas, swordfish or shark for the possibility of ingesting too much mercury).

Given such a variety, one possible conclusion is that it is recommended from 12 months under normal conditions. There is no hurry to offer it before since the meat already provides the zinc they need and the iron continues to arrive from the milk, the same meat and the legumes and in this way you ensure a lower risk of allergic reaction.

What is healthier, fish or meat?

Well, by boat soon, the fish. Its fats protect the arteries and the heart. I remember that years ago they studied why the Japanese suffered very few heart attacks.

It was thought that it was because of the high consumption of fish that they carry out, although the possibility that it was the result of their genetics was considered.

To solve this doubt, they observed Japanese residents in the United States whose customs (and excesses) were similar to those of the Americans and observed that they suffered the same infarction rates as they did.

The conclusion therefore was that fish prevents cardiovascular disease.

On the other hand, fish is an important source of iodine. Iodine is vital for the development of children, so much so that the WHO states that iodine deficiency is the leading cause of brain injuries during childhood.

To alleviate this iodine deficit, iodized salt is marketed, however many families cook food with little or no salt and the current situation (at least with data from the last two decades) is that most Spanish children have iodine deficits ( I will try to talk about this in an entry, because I find it interesting).

How much fish do they have to eat?

It is difficult to answer this question because it is usual for fish not to get their attention too much. It is usually around 5-7 years, when the importance of fish and iodine is explained to their brain development, when they are encouraged to eat more fish.

Still I will try to answer. Ideally, start with about 30 grams of fish and offer it instead of meat so as not to contribute too much protein to the diet.

As for iodine, that amount would be enough to reach the recommended amount. Children need about 90 mcg of iodine daily. Given that sea fish has about 4 mcg per gram, 30 grams would provide about 120 mcg of iodine the day the child ate fish (if he ate everything, of course).

Preparation

On how to prepare it there is not much to explain if we take into account that it is usually delayed more than other foods and that when it starts, you will probably have enough motor skills to chew it and eat it without problems. If not, you can always make a vegetable porridge with fish or rice grits with fish, for example.

Video: 12 Infant Nutrition Do's & Don'ts. Baby Development (March 2024).