Abstract

Early introduction of complementary foods: is there a link with Type 1 diabetes?

Author(s): Suvi M Virtanen, Liisa Uusitalo and Mikael Knip

Early introduction of complementary foods has been demonstrated to play a role in the development of clinical and preclinical Type 1 diabetes. The evidence on the association of early introduction of cow’s milk with an increased risk of Type 1 diabetes is contradictory. Case–control studies indicate a positive association, while associations have mainly not been observed in more reliable cohort studies. Early introduction of solid foods, such as cereals and root vegetables, including potatoes, seems to be associated with an increased risk of early or advanced preclinical Type 1 diabetes.