complementary food

USAGE SUMMARY

"complementary food" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to food items that are used in addition to a main dish or meal to add flavor or balance to the overall meal. Example: "The restaurant offers a variety of complementary foods, such as bread and olives, to enjoy before the main course."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Formal & Business

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Complementary food and beverages will be served.

Harvard University

The sets occupy related but complementary food niches.

Nature

The source of this complementary food, however, is still unclear.

The Economist

For example, chemicals associated with complementary food sources, such as high protein and high carbohydrates, can be learned.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Families with children aged under five had to have regular checkups for growth monitoring, receipt of fortified complementary food and vitamin supplements, vaccinations and deworming.

The Guardian

In land-based pond cultures, periphyton is considered to be a complementary food source for cultured fish.

Aquaculture

Objective The timing of introduction of complementary food to an infant's diet is variable throughout the world.

Journal of the American Dietetic Association

Whether it's as low-key as a bowl of fresh fruit on a Monday, or as indulgent as breakfast everyday, complementary food is always a winner.

The Guardian

These potential interventions included conditional livestock and cash transfers, media and education, complementary food processing and sales, household production and food pricing programs.

Harvard University

There is no direct proof that human infants can digest complementary food starches in the small intestine, but indirect evidence exists.

Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics

The outcome was age of complementary food introduction, categorized as younger than 4 months of age, 4 to 6 months, and 6 months or later (referent).

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific writing, clearly define what "complementary food" encompasses within your study's context, as interpretations can vary across cultures and demographics.

Common error

Avoid using "complementary food" without context. While common, its meaning can differ. Clarify if you're referring to infant weaning foods, dietary supplements, or side dishes to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complementary food" primarily functions as a noun phrase, identifying foods introduced alongside breast milk or formula to meet an infant's nutritional needs. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

Formal & Business

25%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complementary food" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase referring to foods introduced alongside breast milk or formula for infants, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's crucial to provide context when using this phrase, especially regarding the intended age group and type of food. Usage spans from scientific research to public health guidelines, highlighting its importance in nutrition and infant care. While broadly understood, specifying the age range and type of foods is essential for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supplemental food

Replaces "complementary" with "supplemental", emphasizing the addition of something extra to the diet.

additional nourishment

Focuses on the nutritional aspect of the food being added.

nutritional supplements

Highlights the provision of extra nutrients through food.

dietary adjunct

Uses a more formal term for something added to a diet.

extra food intake

Emphasizes the action of consuming additional food.

food accompaniment

Highlights food items that are served together.

added dietary components

Stresses the elements that are included to improve diet.

nutritional boost

Describes an enhancement to one's nutrition.

food supplementation

Highlights the action of adding food to supplement.

nutritional addition

Focuses on increasing the nutrition provided.

FAQs

When should "complementary food" be introduced to infants?

According to the World Health Organization, /WHO/, "complementary food" should ideally be introduced around 6 months of age, alongside continued breastfeeding.

What are examples of "complementary food" for infants?

Examples of "complementary food" for infants include pureed fruits, vegetables, and fortified cereals. The specific foods should be age-appropriate and nutritionally balanced.

How does "complementary food" differ from breast milk or formula?

Complementary food is introduced to provide additional nutrients and energy that breast milk or formula alone may not sufficiently provide as the infant grows.

Why is the timing of introducing "complementary food" important?

Introducing "complementary food" at the appropriate time is crucial for ensuring the infant receives adequate nutrition for growth and development, while also minimizing the risk of allergies or digestive issues.