Trends, opportunities and regulation of infant food

Nutrition in early life, particularly in the first two years, is essential to childhood development. Insufficient nutrition during this period can lead to consequences that cannot be reversed in later life This article addresses the nutritional requirements of breastfed and non-breastfed infants, including energy needs and dietary iron supply, discusses the regulation of infant foods in Australia, and analyses the types of infant food available on the market, the technologies and ingredients used and the potential for innovation in infant foods.