design: This study aimed to explore the associations between food group intake, faecal microbiota profile and body composition during the period of complementary feeding. Diet was assessed using a quantitative food frequency questionnaire, faecal microbiota profile was assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, in a cohort of 50 infants aged 6 to 24 months of age.