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Complementary Feeding Oil: Best Oils for Babies

Complementary feeding oil refers to plant-based oils recommended for infants from the start of solid food introduction. It provides essential fatty acids vital for early development.

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Things worth knowing about "Complementary feeding oil"

Complementary feeding oil refers to plant-based oils recommended for infants from the start of solid food introduction. It provides essential fatty acids vital for early development.

What is complementary feeding oil?

Complementary feeding oil refers to plant-based cooking oils specifically recommended for use in infant and toddler nutrition from the start of solid food introduction – usually from around 4 to 6 months of age. These oils are added to purees and other complementary meals to meet the infant's energy needs and to supply important fat-soluble nutrients.

The importance of fat in complementary feeding

Fat is an essential macronutrient in early childhood nutrition. It not only provides energy but is also critical for:

Brain development and the nervous system of the infant
Absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)
Building cell membranes
Hormone production

According to recommendations by the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN), a small amount of high-quality plant oil should be added to each vegetable or grain-based puree.

Suitable oils for complementary feeding

Not all plant oils are equally suitable for infants. Oils with a favorable fatty acid profile and a high content of essential fatty acids are particularly recommended:

Rapeseed oil (canola oil): Considered the ideal complementary feeding oil due to its balanced ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids and its high content of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
Linseed oil (flaxseed oil): Particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids; should only be used in small amounts and must not be heated.
Corn germ oil: Contains significant amounts of vitamin E and monounsaturated fatty acids.
Sunflower oil: Rich in linoleic acid (omega-6); should be used in moderation due to its high omega-6 content.

Less suitable oils

The following oils are generally not recommended for infant complementary feeding:

Coconut oil and palm fat: High in saturated fatty acids and low in essential fatty acids.
Flavored or seasoned oils: May contain additives that are not suitable for infants.

Recommended amounts and application

The recommended daily amount of oil depends on the age of the child and the type of puree:

In a vegetable-potato-meat puree (lunch meal): approximately 1 teaspoon (8 g) of plant oil
In a milk-grain puree (evening meal): no additional oil is required, as milk already contains fat

Oil should always be added after cooking to preserve heat-sensitive fatty acids. Cold-pressed, organically certified oils are preferred.

Omega-3 fatty acids – special importance

The omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is essential, meaning the body cannot produce it on its own and must obtain it through diet. ALA is a precursor to the longer-chain fatty acids DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), which play a central role in the brain and visual development of infants. Rapeseed oil is one of the best plant-based sources of ALA.

Safety and quality

When selecting a complementary feeding oil, the following points should be considered:

Choose cold-pressed or native (unrefined) oils
Prefer oils from certified organic farming
Store in a cool, dark place, as oils can oxidize and become rancid when exposed to light and heat
Use opened bottles within a few weeks

References

Koletzko B. et al.: Complementary feeding: a position paper by the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN). Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 2017; 64(1): 119–132.
World Health Organization (WHO): Guiding principles for complementary feeding of the breastfed child. WHO, Geneva, 2003. www.who.int
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung (DGE): Reference Values for Nutrient Intake, 2nd edition, Bonn 2020.

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