New feeding guidelines for children aged 1-5 reinforce importance of early introduction and continued consumption

The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) is an independent advisory body in the United Kingdom. It provides scientific advice to public health policymakers on matters related to nutrition, including dietary recommendations, nutrient requirements, and the impact of diet on health.

SACN has released a report that reviews the current recommendations for feeding children aged 1 to 5 years. This report specifically covers the age range from 1 to 5 years and compliments the ‘Feeding in the first year of life’ report published in 2018.

The new report builds on the guidelines in the ‘Feeding in the first year of life’ that emphasised the importance of early introduction of peanut and hen’s egg to prevent allergies to those foods. The report highlights that once introduced these foods should continue to be consumed regularly in young children aged 1 to 5 years to protect against allergy development.

There is evidence that introducing allergenic foods like peanuts and eggs at an early age can reduce the risk of developing allergies later on. Deliberately excluding or delaying the introduction of these foods beyond 6 to 12 months of age may increase the chances of allergies to these foods. Therefore, it is important to introduce and regularly consume these allergenic foods as part of the child’s regular diet.

The report also covers recommendations related to the use of formula milks, including that infant formula and follow-on formula, are not necessary for children aged 1 to 5 years. Specialised formulas are often prescribed under medical supervision for infants diagnosed with Cow’s milk allergy. The report emphasises that specialised formula, including low-allergy formula, are also usually not required after the first year of life. 

For more information about infant weaning and introducing solids see our free Infant Weaning Guidance and watch our podcast on weaning with Dr Graham Roberts.

Our Cow’s Milk Allergy Factsheet has more information about allergy to cow’s milk.