We do have studies on solids re: two issues, iron sufficiency and IQ:

One study found that baby food (strained pears) decreased iron
absorbtion from breastmilk (Frank Oski did this one).  Another found
that no exclusively bf infant who started solids at 7 mos or later
became anemic (when followed up until their second b'day), whereas 30%
of those starting solids at 5.5-6.5 mos did. (Pisacone (sp?) did this
prospective study in Italy, where it is still possible to find
absolutely exclusively breastfed for 7 mos infants!).

As for IQ, there was a recent study that found that giving an infant
anything other than human milk for the first 24 weeks reduced the IQ, by
3 points in average weight infants, and by 13 points in small for
gestational age infants.  I forget the authors.

Human milk is specially balanced to maximize absorbtion of all the
nutrients, and anything we add to the mix has the potential to muck up
the system, IMHO.
Catherine Watson Genna, BS, IBCLC   NYC

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