Associative relationships of macro- and micronutrient levels in children with atopic dermatitis on BLW complementary feeding

Baby-led weaning (BLW) is a modern complementary feeding method in which the child independently manages the process of eating solid foods. Despite the growing popularity of BLW, there remain debates regarding whether infants consume adequate amounts of age-appropriate macro- and micronutrients, meet the energy needs of their growing bodies, and the potential risks of developing food allergies, particularly in children with manifestations of atopic dermatitis (AD). Aim - to investigate the potential associations between levels of iron, calcium, total protein metabolism, and the manifestations of AD in infants on BLW complementary feeding. Materials and methods. The study included 90 children who started BLW complementary feeding at six months of age. They were divided into three groups of 30 children each: the Group 1 - children on BLW with clinical manifestations of AD, the Group 2 - healthy children on BLW with a complicated family history of atopy, the Group 3 - healthy children on BLW without a complicated family history of atopy. The manifestations and severity of AD were evaluated using the Hanifin and Rajka criteria and the SCORAD index. Biological material was analyzed twice: before starting complementary feeding and six months after its introduction. Results. In children with AD and those predisposed to atopy, a significant decrease in calcium and iron levels was observed after six months of BLW complementary feeding. Overall, there was a 10% increase in the prevalence of AD manifestations among the studied groups. A one-way analysis of variance did not reveal a significant association between iron levels and the presence/severity of AD. However, a significant moderate negative correlation was identified between calcium levels and the SCORAD severity score after six months of BLW complementary feeding. Conclusions. The findings demonstrated associative relationships between micronutrient levels and AD manifestations in children on BLW complementary feeding. Confirmation of these results through further studies with larger cohorts of children on BLW could highlight the need for dietary adjustments, particularly for children with AD manifestations or a family history of atopy. The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee for all participants. Informed consent was obtained from patients (parents of children or their guardians). There was no conflict of interest.