(P27-025-25) Factors Associated With Caregivers’ Decisions About When to Introduce Meat to Infants and Toddlers

Objectives: Iron and zinc are essential nutrients for growth and development, and their intake is below recommended levels in more than half of breastfed infants in the US. The 1st Foods Study identified factors associated with caregivers’ decisions about when to introduce meat, a food rich in iron, zinc, and other micronutrients to their children.

Methods: Caregivers of children between 6-24 months across the US completed an online survey, between March and May 2022, assessing caregiver-, child-, and family-related characteristics, and decisions about introducing meat during complementary feeding. Caregivers were divided into two groups based on whether they had introduced meat. Group differences were identified using Analyses of Variance and Chi-Square tests, with a criterion of P < 0.05.

Results: More than 2/3 (70%) of caregivers (N = 455; 81% women, 69% white) reported introducing meat to their children (53% girls, 82% ever breastfed) at ~9 months of age (Mean = 8.8, SE = 0.2). Relative to other food groups such as fruits and vegetables and dairy, meat and plant-based proteins were offered last. More caregivers indicated they had introduced chicken (94%) compared to other meats (beef, 84%; turkey, 70%; pork/bacon, 60%; seafood, 52%). Caregivers who had introduced meat reported significantly higher BMIs (P = 0.003) than those who had not offered meat. Their children were also older (P < 0.001), had higher WAZ scores (P = 0.018), and were less likely to be breastfed at the time of the study (P = 0.009).  More than half of caregivers indicated that they had introduced meat because their child: 1) was showing interest in trying it (62%) or 2) was chewing other solid foods and seemed ready to try meat (54%). Fewer (36%) indicated that a health professional suggested introducing a source of protein.

Conclusions: Given that meat provides a variety of essential nutrients, delaying its introduction until 9 months of age raises questions regarding the nutrient adequacy of children’s diets, particularly related to iron and zinc intakes for those who continue to breastfeed.  Understanding the factors that predict caregivers’ decisions about when to introduce meat can aid in developing innovative strategies to ensure adequate nutrition for young children.

Funding Sources: National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff Program