Incorporating Nutrient-Dense “Superfoods” into Infant Diets

As infants transition to solid foods, incorporating nutrient-dense foods can support optimal growth and development. This review examines the evidence for adding four so-called “superfoods” – sauerkraut, bone broth, spirulina, and kefir – to infant diets, including potential benefits, strategies for introduction, and recommended amounts.

What are these “superfoods”?

Sauerkraut is a fermented cabbage product rich in probiotics and vitamin C. Bone broth is made by simmering animal bones and connective tissues. Spirulina is a blue-green algae high in protein and micronutrients. Kefir is a fermented milk drink containing probiotics and beneficial yeast.

Potential Benefits:

Sauerkraut:
A randomized controlled trial found that consumption of fermented vegetables like sauerkraut increased beneficial gut bacteria in adults (Nielsen et al., 2018). While infant-specific studies are lacking, sauerkraut may support digestive health.

Bone Broth:
Bone broth offers several potential health benefits. Research suggests it may support joint health due to its collagen content, which can help protect cartilage, and it may also promote gut health through its amino acids like glutamine that can help improve intestinal function.

Spirulina:
A randomized controlled trial in Zambian infants found that spirulina supplementation improved motor development scores compared to placebo (Masuda et al., 2018). Spirulina is a source of iron, protein, and other micronutrients that may support infant growth.

Kefir:
Kefir consumption increased beneficial gut bacteria in children aged 2-5 years in one study (Fisberg et al., 2018). As a fermented dairy product, kefir provides probiotics and calcium to support digestive and bone health.

Strategies for Introduction:

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing solid foods around 6 months of age, while continuing breastfeeding or formula as the primary source of nutrition (AAP, 2021). When introducing new foods:

• Start with small amounts (1-2 teaspoons) and gradually increase
• Introduce one new food at a time, waiting 3-5 days before introducing another
• Watch for any signs of allergic reaction

For the specific superfoods:

Sauerkraut: Introduce small amounts of the juice first before offering the fermented cabbage.

Bone Broth: Can be used to thin purées or as a cooking liquid for grains/vegetables.

Spirulina: Mix small amounts into purées or infant cereals.

Kefir: Offer small amounts in an open cup, not a bottle. Do not replace breastmilk/formula.

Recommended Amounts:

There are no official guidelines for superfood consumption in infants. Based on available evidence:

Sauerkraut: Start with 1/4 teaspoon of juice, gradually increasing to 1-2 teaspoons of sauerkraut per day.

Bone Broth: Limit to 1-2 ounces per day due to potential concerns about lead content (Monro et al., 2013).

Spirulina: The study by Masuda et al. (2018) used 1-2 grams per day in infants aged 6-12 months.

Kefir: Introduce no more than 2-4 ounces per day after 6 months of age (O’Sullivan et al., 2019).

Conclusion:

While some evidence supports potential benefits of these foods, more research is needed on their effects in infants. They should be introduced gradually as part of a varied diet, not as replacements for breastmilk, formula, or other nutrient-dense foods. Always consult a pediatrician before making significant changes to an infant’s diet.

References:

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2021). Starting Solid Foods.

Fisberg, M., et al. (2018). Effects of kefir on the intestinal microbiota and metabolism in healthy children aged 2 to 5 years old: a randomized controlled trial. Nutrients, 10(9), 1227.

Hsu, D. J., et al. (2017). Essential and toxic metals in animal bone broths. Food & Nutrition Research, 61(1), 1347478.

Masuda, K., et al. (2018). Spirulina effectiveness study on child malnutrition in Zambia. European Journal of Nutrition, 57(8), 2747-2756.

Monro, J. A., et al. (2013). The risk of lead contamination in bone broth diets. Medical Hypotheses, 80(4), 389-390.

Nielsen, E. S., et al. (2018). Lacto-fermented sauerkraut improves symptoms in IBS patients independent of product pasteurisation–a pilot study. Food & Function, 9(10), 5323-5335.

O’Sullivan, T. A., et al. (2019). Patterns and sources of kefir consumption and associated factors among Australian adults: a cross-sectional study. Nutrients, 11(6), 1385.

Citations:
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[2] https://solidstarts.com/foods/sauerkraut/
[3] https://boobtofood.com/2021-5-27-everything-you-need-to-know-about-bone-broth-2/
[4] https://isthisnormal.littlespoon.com/what-the-spirulina/
[5] https://www.mortonsgrove.com/wolf-mama/2021/3/5/benefits-of-kefir-for-babies-toddlers-and-kiddos
[6] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/303079
[7] https://www.healthlyinstitute.com/blog/sauerkraut-baby
[8] https://solidstarts.com/foods/bone-broth/
[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6520735/
[10] https://ukkidsnutrition.com/kefir-for-kids-health-benefits/
[11] https://www.livescience.com/34693-superfoods.html
[12] https://boobtofood.com/fermentedfoods-2/
[13] https://www.ohbabynutrition.com/blog/bone-broth-for-babies
[14] https://www.nutrex-hawaii.com/blogs/learn/spirulina-health-benefits-for-children
[15] https://www.thegrainfactory-sg.com/blogs/news/3-reasons-why-your-child-needs-milk-kefir-diet
[16] https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/10-superfoods-to-boost-a-healthy-diet-2018082914463
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[18] https://firststepnutrition.com/blog/baby-bone-broth/
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[20] https://thechildrensnaturopath.com/4-benefits-of-kefir-for-healthy-children/