Peer-reviewed article

Association between the timing of chewable complementary food introduction and functional speech disorders in children: a case-control study.

Li H, Huang G, Qi Q · 24 Aug 2026

Abstract

Objective To investigate the association between the timing of chewable complementary food introduction and functional speech disorders (FSD) in children, and to identify independent risk and protective factors with a primary focus on quantifying the effect of delayed chewable food introduction. Methods A case-control study was conducted including 90 children diagnosed with FSD and 90 healthy controls aged 2-8 years. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, electronic screen exposure, parent-child interaction, perinatal risk factors, and complementary feeding practices. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess independent associations. Results Delayed introduction of chewable complementary foods (≥12 months) was the strongest independent risk factor for FSD (fully adjusted OR = 35.20, 95% CI: 10.15-122.04, P < 0.001). Prolonged screen exposure (>2 h/day) and perinatal high-risk factors were additional risk factors. Female gender and increased parent-child interaction (>2 h/day) were protective factors. Subgroup analyses confirmed the stability of the main association across gender, age, and screen exposure subgroups. Conclusions Delayed introduction of chewable complementary foods beyond 12 months is a critical, independent, and modifiable risk factor for childhood FSD. Timely introduction of chewable foods before age 1 year, combined with limited screen time and enhanced parent-child interaction, may serve as a reference to lower FSD risk in early childhood.