THE IMPACT OF BABY-LED WEANNING (BLW) IN IRON ABSORPTION: REVIEW OF LITERATURE

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.1594502405064

• Palavras-chave: "BABY-GUIDED WEANNING” AND “FOOD INTRODUCTION” AND “IRON ABSORPTION”

• Keywords: "BABY-GUIDED WEANNING” AND “FOOD INTRODUCTION” AND “IRON ABSORPTION”

• Abstract:

  INTRODUCTION:O Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) corresponds to a new method of introducing food, which recommends that babies have control over the feeding process. Recent studies highlight the importance of this method in child development, but there are still several gaps, especially iron intake. In view of this, it is necessary to carry out a literature review in order to elucidate the topic addressed. OBJECTIVE: To summarize recent discoveries in the literature on the relationship between the BLW method and serum iron absorption, compared with traditional dietary introduction. Furthermore, identify gaps in knowledge on the subject and direct future research in order to prevent nutritional deficiencies in childhood. METHODOLOGY: A literature review was carried out through the selection of studies in the MEDLINE-PubMed database (National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health) published between the years 2014 and 2024. 17 studies were found, of which 9 were selected by a critical analysis. This review included articles published in English and/or Portuguese that addressed the relationship between baby-led weaning (BLW) and iron deficiency, all available in full. 

  
  The descriptors used were: ("baby-led feeding" OR "BLW" OR "led-weaning" OR "Baby-Led Introduction to SolidS") AND ("complementary feeding" OR "food intake" OR "nutrient intake")" Through the analysis, articles that did not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded, such as animal studies and narrative reviews. Studies prove that BLW can offer a wide variety of benefits in motor and sensory development and reducing food selectivity. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in iron and ferritin levels between babies fed by BLW compared to those fed by the traditional method. There was also a precarious number of studies that could contribute to better results. DISCUSSION: BLW promotes babies' eating autonomy, increasing dietary diversity and acceptance of foods rich in iron, such as meat, fortified cereals and vegetables, in addition to developing motor skills and independence in eating. Additionally, modeling healthy eating behaviors during family meals is also crucial. CONCLUSION: Therefore, the BLW method shows some benefits, including: eating autonomy, decision-making capacity, motor development of hands and chewing and improved perception of textures. However, surveys on serum iron absorption still lack data. Although there is evidence that points to insignificant differences in iron levels between babies fed by BLW in relation to those who follow the traditional method, further studies are needed to broaden and deepen understanding of the subject.