Acceptance of a Nordic, Protein-Reduced Diet for Young Children during Complementary Feeding—A Randomized Controlled Trial

Early life is critical for developing healthy eating patterns. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a Nordic, protein-reduced complementary diet (ND) compared following current Swedish dietary guidelines on patterns and food acceptance. At 4–6 months (mo) age infants were randomized Nordic group (NG, n = 41) or Conventional (CG, 40), followed until 18 mo age. Daily intake fruits vegetables (mean ± sd) at 12 was significantly higher in NG CG: 341 108 g/day vs. 220 76 (p < 0.001), respectively. From mo, fruit vegetable decreased, but still consumed 32% more 254 99 193 67 0.004). To assess acceptance, both groups tested with home exposure meals mo. No differences acceptance found. We find that ND parental education initiates during infancy, meal used present insufficient detect major most likely explained by preparation meal. produce offers high environmental sustainability favorable taste composition establish preferences this sensitive period early life.