Question
Is it appropriate for a six-month-old baby to start drinking raw vegetable juice as a complementary food? Could this practice have adverse effects on the baby’s gastrointestinal system?
Answer
Although it is possible to introduce complementary foods when a baby is six months old, it is generally not recommended to give them raw vegetable juice. This is because a baby’s digestive system is not yet fully matured; their gastrointestinal mucosa is delicate, with abundant blood vessels and underdeveloped intestinal muscle walls. These factors can lead to gastrointestinal dysfunction. Additionally, the baby’s digestive gland secretion, stomach acid levels, and enzyme content are relatively low, making them more sensitive to changes in diet. Therefore, introducing new foods like raw vegetable juice prematurely or incorrectly may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in the baby. It is advisable to gradually and appropriately introduce complementary foods under the guidance of a pediatrician, based on the baby’s developmental status and nutritional needs.